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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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 Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading 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 head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Lindsey Martinez
Lindsey Martinez

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years in UK venture capital, specializing in scaling startups and market analysis.

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