Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal 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 top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Kimberly Jackson
Kimberly Jackson

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and international affairs, known for insightful analysis.

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