Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's 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 Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Robert Cox
Robert Cox

A former casino manager turned gaming analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and responsible gambling practices.

Popular Post