Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani 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 proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

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

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

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Mark Mccoy
Mark Mccoy

A seasoned gaming analyst and writer specializing in Canadian online casinos and sports betting trends.