Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Amber Little
Amber Little

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and casino entertainment trends.