Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Barbara Mccoy
Barbara Mccoy

A tech journalist and digital strategist with a passion for uncovering innovative gadgets and sharing practical tech advice.