Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' 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 Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Timothy Robinson
Timothy Robinson

A tech entrepreneur and startup advisor with over a decade of experience in scaling digital businesses across the UK and Europe.