Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Amber Klein
Amber Klein

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central America.