Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Douglas Robinson
Douglas Robinson

Elara Vance is a seasoned gaming analyst with a passion for reviewing online betting platforms and sharing insights on responsible gambling practices.