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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Tabitha Finley
Tabitha Finley

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in sports betting and casino strategy, specializing in data-driven insights.