Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net 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 undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Angel Gonzalez
Angel Gonzalez

Maya Rivers is a certified wellness coach and writer passionate about sharing evidence-based health tips and inspiring readers to achieve their fitness goals.

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