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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts 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 substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team 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 fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Michelle Dunlap
Michelle Dunlap

Digital content curator and entertainment journalist with a passion for viral trends and short-form video storytelling.