Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Monica Elliott
Monica Elliott

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.