Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Rhonda Kennedy
Rhonda Kennedy

Elara Voss is a storyteller and cultural critic exploring the intersection of technology and creativity.