Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Kaitlyn Jones
Kaitlyn Jones

Elara is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, bringing clarity to complex global issues.