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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper 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 defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries 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 slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night 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 readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Scott Greene
Scott Greene

Elena is a certified wellness coach and herbalist who has been writing about natural health for over a decade.