Everton 1-0 Brentford: Idrissa Gueye goal seals Toffees’ Premier League safety as Sean Dyche makes it three wins in a week with victory over Bees

For the first time in what must seem like a lifetime for Everton fans, there will be no sleepless nights in the final month of the season.

For once, people can enjoy the climax of a season without the shadow of impending doom hanging menacingly over their shoulders. Nails are safe from being bitten, at least for another season.

It always seemed unlikely that we would be treated to a repeat of the blood and thunder football that saw Everton dispatch their bitter foes from the other side of Stanley Park in a memorable Merseyside derby victory in midweek.

Saturday night they were still singing about that night. There were even some home fans who had a little competition before kick-off.

With good reason too, as Luton’s defeat at Wolves earlier in the day left Sean Dyche’s men in control of their fate.

Jordan Pickford again played a key role in the win, making a number of impressive stops

Sean Dyche’s men have now won three games in a week and are now mathematically safe

A point against Brentford would almost certainly be enough, given Everton’s much higher goal difference compared to Luton.

The three they actually picked up after Idrissa Gueye’s second-half strike means the mathematicians can safely put their calculators away for another year so Dyche can reflect on his best managerial performance.

“It’s certainly my biggest challenge to lead a group from where it was to where it is now,” said the Everton boss, who has seen a total of eight points stolen from his team this season due to financial rule breaches of the competition.

‘Last season was tough enough, but this season was incredibly tough. The blows keep coming, including me by the way. This job is not the way I was presented with it, believe me.

“We have not relied on anyone but ourselves this season. We got nothing, not an easy ride and I’m super proud of everyone involved.”

Sometimes it wasn’t always pretty. Look no further than the first half against Brentford, where neither side could attempt a goal.

Dwight McNeil finally brought the game to life in the second half, with a shot from distance off the crossbar.

That sent bums off the seats in the Gwladys Street Stand and those fans were soon bouncing as Gueye ran into a loose ball in the Brentford box and smashed it past visiting keeper Mark Flokken.

A VAR check temporarily put an end to that joy, but the jubilant scenes resumed when referee Darren England confirmed the goal had stood.

James Garne almost sealed the victory in style with a spectacular free-kick that thundered off the crossbar, but Gueye’s goal was more than enough to help Everton race to safety over the final fence.

The players celebrate because they know how important Gueye’s goal is to ensure safety

Ivan Toney failed to make an impact for Brentford on his return to the starting line-up

The Toffees’ victory ends a good run of wins for Thomas Frank’s Brentford, who have beaten Sheffield United and Luton Town in their last two games

There will be many more obstacles to come for Dyche and his men in the near future, given the club’s ongoing takeover saga and perilous financial position.

Survival, however, means Everton will play top-flight football in its final season at Goodison Park before moving to its swanky new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in 2025.

Who knows what the future holds, but that is at least the start of what they hope will be a fitting swan song for this historic old stadium.