Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing 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 series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: 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 Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Michael Foley
Michael Foley

Marcus is an industrial energy specialist with over 15 years of experience in battery technology and sustainable power solutions.