Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank'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 are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Ashley Mason
Ashley Mason

Maya is a gaming industry analyst specializing in Canadian online casinos, with over 8 years of experience in reviewing platforms and promoting responsible gambling.