Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores 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 Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker 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 field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters 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 are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Brittany Williams
Brittany Williams

A home decor enthusiast with a passion for finding and sharing unique, quirky items that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones.

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