Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, 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 thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager 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 substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record 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, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Kayla Webster
Kayla Webster

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and strategy games, known for detailed analysis.