Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Shannon Richmond
Shannon Richmond

A tech strategist with over a decade in digital innovation, specializing in AI integration and sustainable tech solutions.