Luton's 2-1 defeat at Molineux meant Brentford's slim fears of relegation were gone before kick-off, while Everton knew a third straight victory would also secure its place in the top flight for next season.

The Toffees' old wastefulness was on show in the first half, but Gueye powered home 15 minutes into the second period to hand them a third Goodison Park triumph in the space of six days.

The result saw Sean Dyche's men climb above their visitors to go 15th in the table, one place and point clear of Brentford, which can also plan ahead for 2024-2025 in the top flight after pulling clear of danger.

Everton was without Dominic Calvert-Lewin through illness and Beto because of the head injury he suffered against Nottingham Forest. Their absences were felt when the first chance fell Everton's way after six minutes, Youssef Chermiti failing to get a touch on McNeil's tempting cross.

Mathias Jensen had Brentford's first sight of goal 20 minutes in after good work from Vitaly Janelt, but in-form defender Jarrad Branthwaite denied him with a huge block.

The best opportunity of a low-key opening period, though, fell to Abdoulaye Doucoure, who sent an awkward volley spinning well wide after finding space on the stroke of half-time.

Brentford should have gone ahead within five minutes of the restart, but Jordan Pickford brilliantly smothered Ivan Toney's shot when his England team-mate looked destined to tap home at the far post.

McNeil then rattled the crossbar from range as Everton turned up the pressure, and it made the breakthrough on the hour.

Gueye fired into the top-left corner after Brentford failed to clear after a goalmouth scramble, with the goal confirmed by VAR amid questions about a subjective offside.

Keane Lewis-Potter worked Pickford from the edge of the box, but that was as close as Thomas Frank's men came to an equaliser, and Everton almost had a second when James Garner's free-kick struck the bar in stoppage-time.