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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

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

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight 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 the Magpies.

Morgan Phillips
Morgan Phillips

A passionate entertainment journalist and cultural commentator based in Amsterdam.