Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Trevor Ramos
Trevor Ramos

A seasoned travel writer with a passion for uncovering hidden luxury destinations and sharing exclusive lifestyle tips.