Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees 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 Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven 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 toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Joanna Mosley
Joanna Mosley

A seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports and casino gaming, dedicated to sharing actionable advice.