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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees 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 left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box 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.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Martin Roberts
Martin Roberts

Emma is een ervaren gamejournalist met een passie voor indie-games en esports. Ze deelt haar inzichten sinds 2018.