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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Brenda Armstrong
Brenda Armstrong

A tech futurist and writer passionate about exploring how emerging technologies shape society and business strategies.