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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jennifer Cox
Jennifer Cox

Elena Marchetti is a music journalist and curator with a passion for uncovering indie gems and emerging artists.