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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' 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 head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

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

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Andrew Conley
Andrew Conley

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategies and slot machine mechanics.