Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute 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 offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Christopher Stanton
Christopher Stanton

Eleanor Whitmore is a luxury travel writer based in London, exploring the city's finest offerings.