Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed 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.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Courtney Hampton
Courtney Hampton

A seasoned software engineer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in AI and web development, passionate about sharing practical knowledge.

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