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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves 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 check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat 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 free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Chelsea Smith
Chelsea Smith

Urban planner and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in smart city projects across Europe and Asia.