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 twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Maria Nichols
Maria Nichols

Maya is a seasoned gaming enthusiast with a passion for reviewing online casinos and sharing strategies for responsible play.

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