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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league 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.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Daniel Smith
Daniel Smith

A certified yoga instructor and nutritionist passionate about holistic health and sharing evidence-based wellness strategies.