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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League 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 the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking 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 headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy 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 reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Angela Williamson
Angela Williamson

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years in niche market analysis, Elara specializes in helping startups and SMEs identify untapped opportunities and develop sustainable growth plans.