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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial 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 Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Julie Green
Julie Green

A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot strategies and player advocacy.

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