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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes 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 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 Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Lori Chandler
Lori Chandler

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering slot games and casino trends across the UK.