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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender 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 face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Barry Soto
Barry Soto

A productivity consultant and office design enthusiast with over a decade of experience in optimizing workspaces for better performance.