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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jeffery Sharp
Jeffery Sharp

Tech journalist and sustainability advocate exploring the intersection of innovation and environmental consciousness.