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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, 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 seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike 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 Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly 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 attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Paul Rodriguez
Paul Rodriguez

A seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports wagering and odds evaluation.