Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Andrew Diaz
Andrew Diaz

A tech enthusiast and software developer based in London, passionate about simplifying complex digital concepts for everyday users.