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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Brian Rodriguez
Brian Rodriguez

Elara Vance is a seasoned mountaineer and travel writer who has summited over 50 peaks worldwide, sharing her passion for outdoor exploration and sustainable travel.