Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club'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 Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario 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 the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Chase Allison
Chase Allison

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.