Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien 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.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Ryan Salas
Ryan Salas

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and game mechanics, passionate about promoting informed play.