Everton made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League on Saturday with David Moyes taking another three points against Brighton.
An Iliman Ndiaye penalty was the difference at the Amex Stadium, and the Toffees have now put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
With both Ipswich Town and Wolves losing yesterday, Everton are now seven points clear of the drop.
There was a bit of controversy about the award of the penalty for Everton. Gary Lineker disagreed with Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy about Everton’s penalty against Brighton, suggesting it wasn’t clear and obvious.
But the fans, Moyes and his players won’t care one bit – and Everton can now start to look up the table.
There’s no reason why Everton can’t push on now, and key to doing that will be the continued form of Idrissa Gueye in midfield.
What Iliman Ndiaye did to Idrissa Gueye at full-time was telling
Ndiaye is once again making headlines for scoring the winning goal against Brighton.
It was another terrific display overall from the former Sheffield United man, who has been the standout player for Everton this season.
But someone else who has been brilliant this term, but perhaps gone under the radar, is Idrissa Gueye.
The veteran midfielder put in a solid display yesterday against the Seagulls and at the end of the game, it was very clear to see how Ndiaye felt about his teammate’s contributions on the day.
In footage of the game shared by Sky Sports on YouTube, Ndiaye can be seen making a beeline for Gueye straight after the final whistle, furiously wagging his finger at his fellow countryman and no doubt telling him that he was key in the victory. Jesper Lindstrom and Abdoulaye Doucoure also then joined in the celebrations.
Gueye was certainly key. As per Sofascore, Gueye made a whopping eight tackles against Brighton, which was easily the most of any player in the game.
Gueye contested 17 duels, winning 11. He also used the ball fairly well, completing 30/35 (86%) passes.
- READ MORE: Idrissa Gueye has already noticed one big difference between David Moyes and Sean Dyche at Everton
Gueye is making strong case for new Everton contract
It was a heroic performance from Gueye against Brighton and no doubt there will now be fresh calls for the club to hand him a contract extension.
Gueye may well be 35, but he still plays the game like someone under the age of 30.
His fitness levels are remarkable, and at this point, it is difficult to argue against him getting another year at the club. WhoScored have him as the fifth-highest rated Everton player this season, behind only Dwight McNeil, James Tarkowski, Ndiaye and Jordan Pickford, which further suggests how consistent he’s been.
But of course, it’s going to depend on whether he wants to stick around. In December, Everton fans expressed their desire to see Gueye get a contract extension.
But Gueye is thought to have interest from Al-Duhail SC, and he might fancy a new adventure over in Qatar.
But perhaps the prospect of playing in a new stadium with Everton might encourage him to stick around.
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