Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton 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 their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank 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 the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

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

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Kimberly Wright
Kimberly Wright

Esperto in startup e innovazione tecnologica, con una passione per l'ecosistema imprenditoriale della Sardegna.