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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, 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 fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Darlene Calderon
Darlene Calderon

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategies and jackpot hunting across global platforms.