Everton surrendered their grip in the Premier League’s race to determine who qualifies for Europe next season, losing to Arsenal 3-2 at the weekend. Former England and Manchester United player Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports in commentary, made a frank assessment of how fellow right-back, Everton’s on-loan Djibril Sidibe, performed during the encounter.
Sidibe has been one of the Toffees’ standout performers this term, and only opposite number Lucas Digne has provided more assists, five, than his French compatriot’s four in the Premier League.
What did he say?
Neville voiced his concern on Sky Sports, at the way Sidibe marked Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, saying: “Sidibe’s three, four yards off him – you cannot allow that space in between, there’s no real reason for Sidibe not to just go and stand right next to Aubameyang; hold him, make sure he doesn’t get a free header, make sure he doesn’t get a run at it.”
Neville added: “You’ve got to have a level of alertness when you’re playing essentially a centre forward. You can’t give him a yard – to give him three or four is just madness.”
Everton pay the price for Sidibe’s off-day
Typically, Sidibe has been incredibly reliable at the back for the Toffees this season. As per WhoScored, no Everton player has recorded a higher average of tackles or interceptions per match than the Frenchman’s 3.6 and 1.9 respectively. Along with his assisting exploits the 27-year-old, on loan from AS Monaco for the season, has tended to be one of Everton’s most reliable performers which is reflected in him having registered the second-highest average match rating in the entire squad, 7.06.
However, up against last season’s joint golden boot winner, Sidibe appeared out of his depth and overwhelmed by Aubameyang’s insatiable appetite for goals. Not only did he let the Gabonese poacher win the game for the Gunners, but also draw level in the race for top scorer on 17, as he attempts to retain his crown.
Meanwhile, Sidibe, valued at£10.8m (Transfermarkt), will attempt to aid Everton in their recovery from this setback to their hopes of qualifying for Europe this season. While they’ve been left outside the top half of the table, the Toffees are still just four points from automatic Europa League qualification.
