Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Amanda Aguilar
Amanda Aguilar

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and AI integration across various industries.

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