Micky 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 English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed 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 on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition 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 influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Debra Smith
Debra Smith

Elena Voss is a seasoned online gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the iGaming industry, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player psychology.

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