Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player 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 wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Jeremy Perez
Jeremy Perez

A software engineer passionate about frontend frameworks and user experience design, with over 8 years in the tech industry.

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