Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain 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 equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Steve Parker
Steve Parker

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and player strategy development.