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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park 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 first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Jacqueline Ford
Jacqueline Ford

Aria Vance is a digital strategist and community builder with over a decade of experience in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.