Everton marked Marco Silva’s departure with an incredibly feisty performance against Chelsea under new manager Duncan Ferguson. The Toffees came out convincing 3-1 winners, and one stat typified the turnaround, as Everton made the most tackles of any game they’ve played this decade, 37. It was a defensive masterclass, and Djibril Sidibe, in particular, caught the eye.
The full-back is on loan from AS Monaco and has made eight Premier League starts this season, though few have been as impressive as he was on Saturday. The defender made a joint-highest seven tackles, along with his opposite wing-back Lucas Digne, together the pair made the same number of tackles as the entire Chelsea squad. Along with his four interceptions and three clearances, it was an imperious display on the right channel concerning defending, and he made sure Chelsea had no luck in creating from the flanks.
What was even more impressive though was the energy Sidibe had to thrust his side forwards from wide areas. Of all Everton players, only Jordan Pickford made more passes, and nobody made more key passes for the hosts than the defenders three. His passing stats go to show how much of the Toffees’ play was dictated by the right back. The French defender also made a series of accurate long passes which displayed just how well he can mix his range up to surprise the opposition.
To top a performance where Sidibe embodied Ferguson’s fighting spirit, the France international provided an assist to ensure his side amended their slide. Admittedly this display was more of a one-off relative to his other seven Premier League appearances in an Everton shirt, but if he can repeat the trick more often and improve his consistency, his club might be wise to make the move permanent.
Seamus Coleman has made the right-back spot his own at Goodison Park, but some competition for places may bring out the best in the Irishman while allowing Sidibe to replace him long term.
