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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham 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 VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Nicole Gonzalez
Nicole Gonzalez

A competitive esports analyst and gaming journalist with a passion for uncovering hidden gems in indie games.