Senegalese brilliance overshadows Nigerian stars — Iwobi, Chukwueze and Bassey fall flat as Everton outclass Fulham

Everton defeated Fulham 2-0 as a Senegalese standout overshadowed Nigeria’s Super Eagles trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey in a Premier League clash.

Everton secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Fulham at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening, a Premier League clash where the definitive performance of Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye overshadowed the efforts of Fulham’s Super Eagles contingent, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze.

The Nigerian trio, all recently called up for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs, featured in the match, with Iwobi and Bassey starting for the Cottagers, while Chukwueze entered the fray from the bench later in the game.

However, it was the experienced Senegalese international who stole the spotlight, proving to be a difference-maker for the Toffees.

First Half Frustration Broken by Gueye

The first half was characterised by Everton’s aggressive pressing and repeated frustrations with the offside flag. The home side believed they had taken the lead on two occasions, only for VAR to intervene. 

In the 36th minute, Thierno Barry saw his effort ruled out after Iliman Ndiaye was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up. Minutes later, James Tarkowski smashed a powerful shot into the net, reminiscent of his famous derby equaliser, but the effort was swiftly canceled.

Meanwhile, Fulham struggled to generate clear-cut opportunities, with their best chance coming from Alex Iwobi in the 22nd minute. The midfielder found himself slightly behind a cross from the right but managed a soft header towards goal that posed little threat to Jordan Pickford.

Everton’s persistent pressure finally broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time. Following a messy sequence stemming from a long throw-in, Fulham failed to clear their lines, allowing James Tarkowski to head the ball against the crossbar. 

After Tim Iroegbunam couldn’t convert the scramble, Idrissa Gueye was on hand to poke the rebound home in the 45+4th minute, giving Everton a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Keane Seals the Points

The second half began much as the first ended, with Everton continuing their luckless streak against the linesman. In the 54th minute, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall slotted home neatly after a touch from Ndiaye, only for the goal to be disallowed for the third time in the match due to offside.

As Fulham searched for an equaliser, introducing Samuel Chukwueze off the bench to add pace to their attack, they struggled to bypass the resolute Everton defense, marshaled by Tarkowski and Keane.

The hosts finally found their definitive second goal in the 81st minute that could not be denied. A perfectly delivered in-swinging corner from Dewsbury-Hall sailed into the six-yard box, where defender Michael Keane met the ball, guiding it off the top of his shoulder and over Bernd Leno to double the lead.

The 2-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of Everton’s resilience and set-piece strength, with Gueye's crucial late first-half goal providing the platform for victory. 

For Fulham, the Nigerian internationals struggled to assert their quality, with Iwobi managing only the one tame attempt and Bassey, while solid defensively, unable to prevent the two decisive goals. 

The focus now shifts for the Super Eagles players as they quickly prepare for their national team duties following a disappointing club outing.