Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots 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 Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force 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 unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton'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 third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Jason Pacheco
Jason Pacheco

Elena is an astrophysicist and AI researcher who translates complex space data into captivating visual stories.