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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Abigail Jackson
Abigail Jackson

Tech enthusiast and software developer with over a decade of experience in consumer electronics and digital innovation.