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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

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

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Ryan Kim
Ryan Kim

Social media strategist and content creator with over a decade of experience in digital marketing.

Popular Post