Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Ralph Huffman
Ralph Huffman

A quantum physicist and tech enthusiast sharing discoveries and practical guides on quantum innovations.