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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact 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.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Shelby White
Shelby White

A digital marketing strategist with over a decade of experience helping UK businesses optimize their online presence and drive measurable results.