Sigurdsson hopes Everton can build on Cardiff win as Liverpool await

Gylfi Sigurdsson has urged his team-mates to build on Tuesday’s win over Cardiff City ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

Sigurdsson scored a brace as Everton won 3-0 in south Wales to secure their first win in four games.

The victory eased the pressure on beleaguered boss Marco Silva, whose position had come under scrutiny after a run of nine defeats in 14 games.

The dreadful run left the side looking bedraggled and desperately lacking in confidence, making the 17 day break between defeat at Watford and Tuesday’s trip to Cardiff a welcome one.

That lack of confidence was evident in the opening stages against the Bluebirds, who nearly went ahead inside two minutes. But after going ahead shortly before half-time the team showed glimpses of their best, even if it was against a very poor Cardiff team.

The win should put to bed any fears the club could be sucked into a relegation battle and probably ensure Silva will at least be given until the end of the season to prove his worth.

Focus will now quickly turn towards Sunday’s huge Merseyside Derby against Liverpool as the Toffees seek their first win over the Reds for nine years and put a dent in their title challenge to boot.

Sigurdsson is hopeful the Toffees head into the game having reached a turning point in their season.

Speaking to the club’s website, he said:

“It was a very good win. It was a tough evening. They are always tough to play against, especially at home so it was important for us to get the first goal. We did that and I thought we controlled the game afterwards.

“The game was quite even at the beginning, we probably had more of the ball but didn’t create much. Then after the goal we were in control and we kept the ball well. We know they are tough at set pieces, the long throw-ins, and we had to be aware but as a team we defended really well and got the three points.

“It’s always nice to get three points and three goals away from home. We’ve got a tough game on Sunday, a game you look forward to at the start of the season. Hopefully that will be a positive one, too, and then we can really push on.”