Brentford v Everton: David Moyes praises Idrissa Gueye

By Jon Shea

The latest round of Premier League action sees David Moyes’ Everton travel to West London to take on Thomas Frank’s Brentford in a midweek clash.

Everton are looking to extend their unbeaten league run to seven matches, while Brentford have Aston Villa in their sights as they seek to move up the table.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s game, Moyes has been speaking to the media.

Penalty disappointment against Red Devils

Moyes described his reaction to the recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United, expressing satisfaction and disappointment in equal measure.

“I was really pleased with the way the players played for long parts. We were really disappointed that we gave it away because, up until the free-kick [United’s first goal], I didn’t think Manchester United caused us any big problems,” he said.

“It was always going to be difficult against Manchester United before the game started, but I thought the players did a brilliant job in many aspects. But I think teams are always capable of coming back. I think we’re seeing more of it in the Premier League.”

Moyes added his thoughts on the contentious last-minute penalty incident: “It looked as though we were going to get away with it, with a penalty, but we didn’t.”

The Toffees manager confirmed that Everton have contacted the PGMOL for comment regarding the referee’s decision to overturn the penalty on Saturday.

“I still feel exactly the same as I did at the time in the game. I watched it again in the changing room and was really surprised he went to VAR. Obviously we’ve been in touch to check it out and spoke with PGMOL. It’s gone, it’s past now. We can’t do anything about it. It was disappointing we didn’t get it but we move on.”

“I think there has been a load of pundits who all think it’s a penalty kick,” he continued. “I’m not seeing it as bad as others. I think it was a penalty because you can’t pull someone’s jersey the way he [Matthijs de Ligt] did and it not be given.”

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Admiration for Thomas Frank

Moyes further spoke of his admiration for the job Frank is doing in West London.

“Tom is doing an unbelievable job at Brentford. No doubt about it, not just this year,” he said. “Since they got promoted, they have done brilliantly well. The manager’s done a really good job and he continues to do that.”

“They’ve won away at West Ham and Leicester. They will see that as something to build on and try to get the team back into shape at home.”

On what it is like to go up against the Dane, Moyes was clear: “I have to say any managers who have managed a game against Thomas Frank’s team would always say it’s been a really tough place to go and win. I don’t see it being any different this week. I don’t really care about the bad run on their turf. I have to say I hope it continues.”

The Everton gaffer then shifted to a more light-hearted topic.

“He’s not a bad drinker. I got to know him a bit during the Euros. He’s not bad, you know,” Moyes said with a smile. “I got to know him a little bit and even better because I did not have a job at the time so we could talk about all sorts. The Danish are big beer drinkers, aren’t they?”

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Idrissa Gueye praise

Moyes also made sure to heap praise on midfielder Idrissa Gueye ahead of the Brentford game.

“I’ve been really pleased with him. His performances have been great and I’ve been worried about him,” Moyes said. “When he’s getting to his age, you start to think are his legs going, and is he able to play Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday was always a concern when they’re getting a bit older.

“But I have to say he’s been great. He’s acting as if he’s still a young one and playing like it.”

This season, the Senegalese has completed the most tackles (103) in Europe’s top five leagues at the ripe old age of 35.

Relegation battle not over

Moyes then warned his players to keep their eye on the ball and continue their good run, with safety from relegation not yet a certainty.

“It’s not over. We used to always talk about forty points as managers, and I think because I’m an old manager I’m going to keep talking about forty points. That is the total you have to attain. We have to make sure we get to forty points as soon as we possibly can,” he said.

“The players have got something to show. There is nothing to hide behind. We’re about to get new owners in, so they are all on show and we have to show what we can do. They have to show to this new manager [Moyes] how they can perform. They’ve done brilliantly so far.”

Moyes continued: “I’d hate to think the season for them is over. They got to show that they can play all the games. The remaining games I think are really important.”

“I want to be positive, and I want to say how we’re going to be in the Premier League. There is still work to do to do that. But I do think we need to start making some initial plans and getting things in place for hopefully another year in the Premier League.”

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Player contracts

With no less than 13 players set to see their deals at Everton run out this summer, Moyes touched on the issue of player contracts and long-term planning.

“They will want their future sorted out,” the manager admitted. “This club has got its future sorted out. Got new owners in and starting to filter into the building and get used to them being around. Owners have stated until we’re completely safe we’re not looking at anybody’s contracts.”

Everton team news

There are no fresh injury concerns for Moyes as the same squad from the United game will travel to the Gtech Community Stadium for the clash with Brentford.

Jesper Lindstrom has reportedly recovered from the illness that forced him to be subbed off against United on Saturday.

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