Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss 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 more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official 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.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Jamie Ingram
Jamie Ingram

A seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in slot game analysis and online gambling strategies.

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