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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player 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 proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Deborah Rodriguez
Deborah Rodriguez

A seasoned travel writer and photographer with a passion for uncovering hidden gems and sharing authentic stories from around the globe.