Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Selena Murphy
Selena Murphy

Elena Voss is a certified financial planner with 15 years of experience helping individuals and families build secure financial futures.