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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Zachary Gonzalez
Zachary Gonzalez

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and emerging technologies across Europe.