Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League 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 unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Chelsea Russell
Chelsea Russell

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, with over a decade of industry experience.