Everton manager Sean Dyche is pleased with the continuous improvement of Iliman Ndiaye after he scored in the Toffees’ 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Afrosport reports.
Bernardo Silva put the Citizens ahead in the 14th minute only to be pegged back 22 minutes later thanks to Ndiaye.
It was the Senegal international’s third league goal of the season since joining from Marseille in the summer and Dyche was pleased with his fitness level even as he had to be substituted after 81 minutes.
“He’s learning and his team play is improving all the time,” Dyche told the club website. “You know, his Premier League fitness has improved, obviously, which I mentioned when a lot of these players got here. That is different.
“His will and desire to do the ugly side of the game as well as the good side of the game is very good.
“It was a fantastic finish.
“He only came off at the end, because his calf was tight and he was beginning to look over, so I’ve got to be cautious, obviously.”
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Reflecting on his goal, Iliman Ndiaye stated: “It felt good to score and get a point. It would have been better if we’d got all three, of course, but I think it’s a good point. I’ve had a few decent games in the past few weeks. It’s been tough, but obviously we’re sticking together as a team and it’s a good point.”
The Boxing Day result meant Everton avoided defeat against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, all games ending in draws which sees them occupy 15th spot, three points clear of the relegation zone.
