Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Kimberly Long
Kimberly Long

Alex Thornton is the founding director of Local Studio, with over 20 years of experience in community-led design and sustainable architecture.