Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed 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 Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Alexander Walton
Alexander Walton

A film critic and entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience covering cinema festivals and industry trends.