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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners 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 former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Erin Williams
Erin Williams

A passionate writer and creativity coach dedicated to helping others unlock their innovative spirit through practical advice and inspiration.