Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots 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 substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Andrew Hill
Andrew Hill

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