Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number 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 English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Anne Scott
Anne Scott

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