Idrissa Gueye: The staggering numbers behind Everton star’s masterclass vs Chelsea
Idrissa Gueye was in unbelievable form as Everton smashed Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
The Toffees rode out 3-0 winners after Beto scored twice and Iliman Ndiaye added a third with an outrageous strike.
David Moyes’ team have been in strong form of late, and were disappointed by a narrow loss at Arsenal last week.
But Saturday’s win means consecutive Premier League wins at Hill Dickinson Stadium and three victories from the last four.
Everton’s form has propelled them into the fight for European football, with only three points standing between the Toffees and fifth-placed Liverpool.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBIdrissa Gueye stuns vs Chelsea
Football Insider exclusively revealed in November that Everton planned to replace Gueye amid the midfielder’s age being a concern.
The Senegal international is 36 and reportedly has an option to extend his contract to the summer of 2027 – one that the Toffees will certainly take up, if Saturday’s performance is anything to go by.
| Idrissa Gueye | vs Chelsea |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 37/45 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Duels won | 6/6 |
| Fouled | 1 |
Gueye dominated the Chelsea midfield, somewhat defying logic with his seemingly never-ending ability to run.
He would complete two successful dribbles and pick up an assist when he poked the ball through to Beto for his second goal.
But it was the Senegal international’s masterful defensive work that really caught the eye.
Gueye made three tackles, five interceptions, seven recoveries, and won each and every one of the duels he contested.
It was a fantastic performance, and yet another reminder that age does not beat hunger and experience.
The younger pairing of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia looked lost in the middle of the pitch amid the dominance of Gueye, who looked assured in every action.
Gueye and James Garner provide Everton European hopes
Alongside Gueye in the pivot, James Garner also enjoyed a spectacular performance at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was handed his first call-up to the England first team this week, and it is easy to see why.
Garner was everywhere for Everton against Chelsea, constantly mopping up in midfield before getting his team forward.
The pair have been separated several times this season due to injuries elsewhere, but as long as they stay in that pivot, the Toffees have a great chance of doing the unthinkable and qualifying for European competition.
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