Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium 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 pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Michael Davis
Michael Davis

A blockchain enthusiast and financial analyst with over a decade of experience in crypto markets and technology trends.