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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team'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 pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

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

Natalie Sims
Natalie Sims

Lead developer and creative director with over a decade of experience in indie game design and narrative-driven projects.

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