Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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 go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Peter Lee
Peter Lee

Kaelen is a passionate esports analyst with over a decade of experience covering competitive gaming events and trends.