Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures 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 Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Sandra Martinez
Sandra Martinez

A financial analyst with over a decade of experience in market trends and tech innovations, passionate about demystifying complex topics for readers.