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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • 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 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 undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Brandi Owens
Brandi Owens

A tech journalist and gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering digital trends and innovations.