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 two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are 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 midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Wendy Hensley
Wendy Hensley

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in UK football and horse racing trends.