Sigurdsson: Wasn’t the prettiest game, but we got the three points

Everton huffed and puffed at times to break down visitors Cardiff City, but were able to grab the three points with Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring the only goal of the game in the second half.

Just minutes earlier the Icelander had gone around goalkeeper Neil Etheridge but saw his shot cleared off the line by Sol Bamba, and will have been relieved to see the goalkeeper palm Theo Walcott’s shot straight to him for the winner.

Speaking after the game, Sigurdsson spoke about how the Blues just had to keep tapping away at Neil Warnock’s defence before they broke through.

“It was similar to the Brighton game, when it was 1-1 at half-time. We knew we had to be patient, keep playing the ball, passing it around and eventually we were going to get chances. One goal was enough today because we kept another clean sheet.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. They are very hard to beat, they defend really well, and they are very dangerous when they have throw-ins and corners.

“They have got very strong players in the box, so I thought we dealt with it really well, especially near the end when they could have nicked a goal.”

The Toffees now have five wins, one draw and and one loss in their last seven games, but will face a big challenge next week at Anfield in the away leg of the Merseyside Derby. Liverpool are unbeaten this season and the Blues will have to be ready for the offensive juggernaut.

“We’re looking forward to the next game. It is a very big game for us. We’re obviously happy with the last few weeks, we’ve managed to turn it around and put some good results together.

“And I think, not just the players, but the staff and the fans will be happy with the way we won today. It wasn’t the prettiest game to watch, but we got the three points, so we’ll go home happy.”