Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

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

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition 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 was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early 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.

Michael Wade
Michael Wade

A seasoned sports analyst and betting strategist with over a decade of experience.