Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form 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 more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

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

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Brittany Weaver
Brittany Weaver

A digital marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in SEO and content creation for tech startups.