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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Calvin Rogers
Calvin Rogers

Elara is a digital storyteller and NFT enthusiast, passionate about blending art with blockchain technology to create immersive experiences.