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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees 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 Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Dr. Alexis Li
Dr. Alexis Li

A seasoned plumbing specialist with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial heating systems, dedicated to quality service.