Everton had the chance to put a sizable gap between them and their relegation rivals on Saturday but they ultimately suffered a bruising 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
Some Everton fans called for Sean Dyche to be sacked following the game and urged the club to bring Davies Moyes back to Goodison Park until the end of the season.
The Friedkin Group were considering Dyche’s future in September and had identified Gareth Southgate to replace him, once their takeover went through.
But those links have since died down and the takeover is yet to be finalised, so for now, the former Burnley boss is set to remain in post.
Whilst the negativity circles Dyche, there is one Everton player who can hold his head high right now despite yesterday’s defeat.
- READ MORE: Everton wonderkid who Sean Dyche says has a ‘big future’ now wanted by EFL club in January
Idrissa Gueye has been absolutely outstanding lately
A number of Everton players have been well below par this season as they reside in 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  West HamWest Ham | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 11 |
| 15 |  LeicesterLeicester | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 18 | -4 | 10 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 9 |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 13 | -5 | 7 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 21 | -11 | 5 |
But, Idrissa Gueye, in particular, can be proud of his performances over the last few weeks and Dyche has recognised that.
Dyche labelled Gueye excellent against Southampton and also heaped praise on fellow veteran Ashley Young.
The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder also received glowing praise from fans the previous week during the 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Gueye was awarded Man of the Match against the Cottagers.
- READ MORE: Everton fans have just one thing to say about Dominic Calvert-Lewin after 1-0 loss to Southampton
Gueye’s outstanding statistics against Southampton
Gueye’s statistics against Southampton on Saturday amplify exactly why he’s been getting all the plaudits of late.
Here they are, as per Sofascore.
- 90 minutes played
- 57 touches
- 95% pass completion
- 6 tackles
- 2 clearances
The 35-year-old, who earns around £80k-a-week, also managed five tackles the previous week, taking the total to a staggering 11 across just two games.
- READ MORE: Sean Dyche’s post-match comments show the Friedkin Group he’s not the man long-term for Everton
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