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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked 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 - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Teresa Bentley
Teresa Bentley

Elara Vance is a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and indie game development.

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