Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run 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 match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat 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 on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed 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 influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped 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 early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Becky Jackson
Becky Jackson

A passionate advocate for sustainable farming with over a decade of experience in organic agriculture and local food systems.