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 Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes 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 unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Joshua Villarreal
Joshua Villarreal

A passionate horticulturist with over a decade of experience in organic gardening and urban farming.