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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions 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 Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, 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 the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Samantha Barber
Samantha Barber

Lena Visser is een ervaren pedagoog en moeder van twee, die haar passie voor kindontwikkeling deelt via KindScopeNow.