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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Kevin Schmidt
Kevin Schmidt

Lotte is een milieujournalist en zero waste expert uit Groningen, met een passie voor duurzaamheid en lokale initiatieven.