Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

James Mullins
James Mullins

A blockchain gaming enthusiast and tech writer who analyzes emerging trends in decentralized gaming and NFT markets.