Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jennifer Jackson
Jennifer Jackson

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital innovation across Europe.