Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Fernando Hunter
Fernando Hunter

Elena is an urban design enthusiast and freelance writer exploring city cultures and creative spaces.