Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

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

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

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

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Margaret Brown
Margaret Brown

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and developing winning strategies for slot enthusiasts.