Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals 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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net 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.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice 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 - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils 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 two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable 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.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Michael Fox
Michael Fox

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