Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net 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.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for 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 pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Maureen Villarreal
Maureen Villarreal

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and slot machine mechanics.