Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish 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, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees 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 Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Sara Turner
Sara Turner

A passionate UK-based gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering console and PC gaming trends.