Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced 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 ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

William Jordan
William Jordan

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino strategies and game development.