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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Catherine Ramirez
Catherine Ramirez

A cybersecurity specialist with over a decade of experience in Windows environments and threat analysis.

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