Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Christopher Foster
Christopher Foster

Elara is a design enthusiast and cultural commentator with a passion for minimalist aesthetics and sustainable innovations.