Idrissa Gana Gueye at centre of ‘mess’ in Everton draw vs Sunderland
Idrissa Gueye didn’t do himself many favours for Everton against Sunderland.
The Senegal international started as Everton drew 1-1 with Sunderland after Iliman Ndiaye netted a stunning opener.
Granit Xhaka cancelled out the Senegal international’s strike after Thierno Barry missed a massive chance for Everton from barely yards out.
The Frenchman could have made the difference for David Moyes’ men after what was a hugely positive first 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
Gueye somewhat overshadowed positive moments in the opening exchanges, as he scuppered a promising move with a display of indecision.
Dean Ashton was left baffled by the midfielder live via talkSPORT on 3 November as he said: “It’s a real mess.
“In his own head there, Gueye, he had two players making a run and played it between the two of them. He could have even had a shot himself.“
Gueye moment summed up Everton vs Sunderland
Barry’s miss was horrendous for Everton and, alongside Gueye’s early moment, somewhat set the tone for the rest of the Toffees’ performance.
The Senegalese midfielder’s lack of decisiveness was evident throughout the rest of the performance, affecting play all over the pitch.
This saw Everton take just one shot after the Frenchman’s miss, failing to take aim when the chances eventually came.
Carlos Alcaraz summed that up late on when he drove forward before taking too much time on the ball, before being dispossessed with ease.
The blame can’t be placed at the door of Gueye, but he still managed to kickstart a trend of frustrating play for the rest of the game.
Gueye put in positive performance vs Sunderland
Gueye made up for his lapse in concentration in the first half with what was ultimately an all-action performance against the Mackems.
The 36-year-old was involved all over the park and ultimately helped the Blues secure a hard-earned point in the north east.
The defensive midfielder featured across the 90 and clocked up an 86 per cent pass accuracy and created two chances in the process.
That didn’t have a negative impact on his defensive output as he clocked up 14 contributions at the back while also winning six of nine attempted ground duels.
Gueye proved exactly why he is so important to Moyes and Everton, even if Ashton was confused by his first-half actions.
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