Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • 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 extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official 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.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Cynthia Montgomery
Cynthia Montgomery

A city planner and lifestyle blogger passionate about sustainable urban living and creative home solutions.

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