Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Heidi Hester
Heidi Hester

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering industry trends and esports events.