Everton enjoyed a supremely comfortable win earlier today, as they simply showed up, strolled into a second-half lead, and shut out the opposition for 90 minutes.
Brentford were left bewildered by the immense solidity of Sean Dyche’s setup, and for all their efforts to unpick the Toffees’ lock, they failed time and time again.
And not only has this win seen the hosts leapfrog Thomas Frank’s side, but they are now guaranteed to be playing Premier League football again next season, way ahead of schedule given the last two season’s track record.
Praise is certainly in order for both the manager and his players.
Jamie Carragher names his Sky Sports Man of the Match
Speaking live on Sky Sports’ coverage earlier today, Jamie Carragher cut a disgruntled figure, having just seen what he clearly viewed as a match lacking in quality.
That, or perhaps he had still not quite gotten over seeing his beloved Liverpool take one further step away from the title they have fought for all campaign.
Regardless, he begrudgingly offered the award to an Everton player, unsurprisingly so after their win took them above Brentford and safe from relegation for another campaign.
Idrissa Gana Gueye, as the match-winner, was the recipient, and he had the following to say on his performance: ‘I am going to go with Idrissa Gueye.
‘I mentioned him before the game. There wasn’t much quality within the game, there was no really standout player, but he has got the vital goal. He is in really good form, and it looks like
‘I would imagine for what he has done certainly in the last few weeks, he would sign a new contract with Everton.’
Idrissa Gana Gueye enjoying his Everton renaissance
With two goals and three monumental performances in as many games, Gueye is enjoying something of a renaissance despite his age.
After all, the 34-year-old rolled back the years with another energetic performance, marshalling the midfield and protecting the defence.
To cap his match off with a goal was just the icing on the cake, but even if he had not lashed home the winner his 87% pass accuracy, 77% total duel success and two tackles would have been enough, via Sofascore.
Carragher makes a valid point regarding Gueye’s future, as this bout of form will have reminded Dyche and Evertonians exactly what he is capable of.
Should the £80k-a-week general manage to maintain such form for another campaign, he would certainly provide a useful asset to keep around as they seek to solidify their Premier League status again without spending big.