Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

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

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

William Robinson
William Robinson

Thijs de Vries is a Dutch culture journalist and curator, passionate about underground art scenes and digital media.