Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed 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 left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Matthew Harper DDS
Matthew Harper DDS

A UK-based tech analyst with over a decade of experience in digital transformation, specializing in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

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