Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park 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 first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Kristi Sherman
Kristi Sherman

A tech journalist and innovation strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies across Europe.