Sigurdsson rewarded for attacking initiative

Everton needed a late goal from Gylfi Sigurdsson to win their fourth consecutive game, going up to second in the Premier League table. The Blues had mostly been in control of the game but on a rainy, windy night in Yorkshire, you got the feeling that a 1-0 score would always be enough to take all three points.

The goal was a product of some pretty football in the area, with two Carlo Ancelotti substitutions Andre Gomes and Bernard combining to find Abdoulaye Doucoure, who laid off the ball in the box for an advancing Sigurdsson to slot home at the far post under pressure.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day [via Football Critic] after the win, the Icelander commended his side for their good run of form.

“The gaffer moved me to defensive midfielder so I’m not sure what I was doing in the box for the goal.

“We needed to get three points, we knew it would be tough coming here. I think they have been quite unlucky this season, they have been in a lot of games where they have lost by the one goal so they are not a bad team.

“It is still early on, things change very quickly in this league. We had a fantastic start and then had a few games where we dropped off but we’ve picked back up now. Hopefully we can continue through January now.

“We were patient. It was a very tough game. They are a tough team, especially at home and it is tough to play against them.

“They could have scored one just before half time so I think whoever scored first in this game would have a very good chance to go on and win.

“It is fantastic, we’ve picked up after a dip in form so we would like to keep this going. Nice to be second in the league.”

Everton are back in action on Monday, this time hosting Manchester City who won 2-0 against Newcastle United today.