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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Sherry Long
Sherry Long

Urban planner and sustainability advocate with over 15 years of experience in global city development projects.