Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added 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 Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Fred Dorsey
Fred Dorsey

Elara is a seasoned gaming journalist with a passion for slot mechanics and player strategies, offering fresh perspectives in every review.

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