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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight 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 tie against the Magpies.

Jody Goodman
Jody Goodman

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, with over 8 years of industry experience.