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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender 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, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Martha Sanchez
Martha Sanchez

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in UK media, specializing in SEO and content marketing for tech startups.

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