/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61602169/1042943872.jpg.0.jpg)
A flat first-half display was quickly forgotten as Everton eventually triumphed 3-0 over Fulham at Goodison on Saturday. But what did the numbers tell us?
This post will take a look at some of the most interesting Everton statistics from the weekend.
Gueye the Destroyer
9 tackles and 5 interceptions for the midfielder
Although Sigurdsson’s and Tosun’s goals will steal the highlights, Idrissa Gana Gueye was undoubtedly Everton’s stand out player.
Following on from an excellent display again Arsenal last week, Gueye made nine tackles and five interceptions at Goodison Park. This means that Gueye has made 19 tackles in his last two games – more than 376 of the 386 other Premier League players (97%) have made in total all season.
Idrissa Gueye’s made 19 tackles in his last 2 games - more than 376 of the other 386 PL players have made all season (97%).
— Matt Cheetham (@Matt_Cheetham) September 29, 2018
A Balanced Midfield and Side
Gueye, Davies and Sigurdsson in harmony
Despite a disappointing first-half display, Everton’s midfield trio of Gueye, Davies and Sigurdsson looked well balanced. Davies has quietly impressed since taking Schneiderlin’s place in the side as the team’s box-to-box midfielder – while also captaining the side at just 20.
Davies’ quality on the ball was clear to see at Goodison on Saturday, with the youngster learning to cut out sloppy passes from his play – completing an excellent 88.9% of his passes, while covering the most ground of any Blue.
This is one of the most balanced Everton sides in a very long time – a great relief having seen the woeful imbalances in the squad in Koeman’s last days.
Cenk Grabs Needed Goal
First strike since April
The biggest cheer of the day at Goodison was given when Cenk Tosun grabbed his first competitive goal since April.
The Turkish striker had to make do with a place on the bench again, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin receiving little service in his place.
Frustration and a desperation to get a goal held him back in the defeat to West Ham, but hopefully this goal will help him rediscover his composure and place in the starting line-up.
First Clean Sheet
First of the season
It’s been a long time coming - and needed the help of the crossbar in the first half after Fulham’s excellent passing move saw Ryan Sessegnon crash an effort into the woodwork – but Everton finally picked up their first clean sheet under Marco Silva.
Kurt Zouma and Michael Keane look an excellent pairing and were comfortable against the Cottagers, while Jordan Pickford put in a flawless display following the announcement of his contract extension.
Digne Shines Again
Frenchman a constant danger with 11 crosses
Lucas Digne again showed that Leighton Baines’ hopes of regaining his Everton place are reducing on a weekly basis, with the French full-back putting in a dominant display down the left hand side – unleashing 11 crosses, nine more than Jonjoe Kenny on the other side.
Baines has been one of Everton’s stars for the best part of a decade and now Digne looks set to pick up his mantle and become one of the league’s top left-backs.