Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Benjamin Castillo
Benjamin Castillo

Elara Vance is a seasoned journalist and cultural analyst with over a decade of experience covering international affairs across multiple continents.