Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable 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.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Lauren Wong
Lauren Wong

Tech-enthousiast en content creator met een passie voor innovatie en duurzaamheid.