Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton 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 conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Danielle Clark
Danielle Clark

Emily Harper is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering compelling stories and delivering them with clarity.