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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

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

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Garrett Shea
Garrett Shea

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.