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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten 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 last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally 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 near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Debbie Brown
Debbie Brown

Elara is a digital commerce strategist with over a decade of experience in Shopify development and online retail optimization.