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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

William Martinez
William Martinez

Elara Vance is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and statistical modeling.