Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton 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 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 striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Steven Reilly
Steven Reilly

A tech journalist and business strategist with over a decade of experience covering digital transformation and startup ecosystems across Europe.