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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Nicholas May
Nicholas May

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in UK tech startups, passionate about sharing insights on emerging technologies.