Everton upset the applecart with a 1-0 win away at third-placed Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Forest, who are well-placed to qualify for the Champions League, were the favourites heading into the game, but pretty much from minute one, Everton were in control and dominant for large portions.
Speaking after the match, Nuno Espirito Santo accepted that the Toffees were the better side and fully deserving of the three points.
“We were not comfortable. Everton were dominant, they created a lot of problems to us,” Nuno admitted.
Everton finally got their moment in stoppage time as Abdoulaye Doucoure cooly converted a one-on-one after being slipped through by Dwight McNeil.
Doucoure and McNeil earned most of the plaudits but supporters actually voted for a different Man of the Match.
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Everton fans vote Idrissa Gana Guete Man of the Match vs Nottingham Forest
Everton fans voted Idrissa Gana Gueye the Man of the Match against Nottingham Forest, with Doucoure coming second.
Supporters took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to hail Gueye’s sensational performance at the City Ground.
@MarkN1878 commented: “Gana and he’s also our player of the season by a million miles.”
“Motm has to be Gana Gueye for me. Garner was good but Gueye completely ran that midfield. Such an intelligent player and he has not lost that work rate. Get him signed down for another year,” @LewisN_33 said.
“Gueye head and shoulders above everyone else,” @MasterO_Puppets posted.
“Gana getting better as he gets older, class,” @NSNO1878_ added.
@toffeedoug said: “A Moyes away day smash and grab! Defence on top form today but I’d give MOTM to Gueye, at the heart of our entire performance.”
@EFC_Lucy commented: “35-year-old Idrissa Gueye being the furthest player forward in the 93rd minute and playing a key part drawing the defenders away for the goal.”
Gueye’s impressive stats
Gueye conducted his defensive duties exceptionally well, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game was his assurance in possession.
The former PSG man has often been criticised about his ability on the ball, but against Forest, he ran the show.
Gueye completed a whopping 92 per cent of his 49 passes, which is a significant improvement on his previous statistics.
Here are his Sofascore stats.
- 90 minutes
- 64 touches
- 92% pass accuracy
- 2 clearances
- 2 duels won
- 1 tackle
- 1 block
The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but it’s understood Everton are willing to offer him a new deal.
Moyes really wants Gueye to stay.
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