Everton clinched a narrow home victory over Cardiff City in a game in where the Toffees were made to work for the points.
Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson scored the solitary goal of the game around the hour mark when he slotted the rebound after a low shot from Theo Walcott rebounded to him.
The home side could not add to their advantage but held on to gain the three points and keep Cardiff in the relegation zone.
Sigurdsson is putting last season behind him
After leading Swansea City singlehandedly at times, last summer’s move to Everton was seen by many as an opportunity for him to reach the next level. But it didn’t quite happen for him, due to injury and chemistry issues.
But this campaign, he has nailed the central attacking spot under Marco Silva, and he is looking back to his imperious best. He has bettered his goal tally from last season already, scoring six thus far. The whole array of his skills looks to be on show – set pieces, assists, goals, and defensive work as well. Silva has certainly had a part in it, but much of the credit should go to Sigurdsson himself.
Hard-working Cardiff lack the cutting edge
Neil Warnock’s men put in tremendous effort into the game, and Everton naturally found it difficult to overcome the Bluebirds. Defensively, they were resolute throughout the game, and it was looking as though the gameplan was working for them. Till the interval, Neil Etheridge did not face any considerable threat and made just two straightforward saves.
Sigurdsson’s goal did puncture their backline, but Cardiff had chances of their own as well. Josh Murphy had a great chance late on as his side mounted an effort to clinch the draw. But just like the whole campaign, despite their work-rate, Cardiff lacked a cutting edge in the final third and they were made to pay for it.
Everton climb to sixth in the table to validate progress under Silva
When the hierarchy at Goodison Park made the switch from Sam Allardyce to Marco Silva, the Everton faithful were considerably hopeful of some progress in the real sense. That seems to be taking shape under the Portuguese manager, as they climbed to sixth in the table courtesy of the Cardiff result.
Bournemouth can overtake them tomorrow, but the signs of progress under Marco Silva are clear to be seen. Cardiff presented a gritty test, but Everton came through with flying colours. The likes of Richarlison and Sigurdsson are finding their feet at the club, and perhaps hoping for the Europa League might not be too lofty an ambition.
Cardiff can’t get out of the drop zone
After Fulham’s win, Cardiff are just a point of the last position, and that could change if Huddersfield win their game tomorrow. They sit on just eight points after 13 games, and this ratio does not carry any sort of good vibes. If they keep up with this rate, then relegation will be nothing short of a formality.
That being said, Cardiff have looked better in recent weeks, and their win last week against Brighton was a real morale-booster. But their momentum was wiped out at Goodison Park, and even a draw would have done a world of good to them. Cardiff need to start picking up points regularly, otherwise the bottom three will become their permanent habitat soon.
New signings proving to be effective for Everton
Everton’s major recruitments in the summer were Andre Gome, Richarlison, Lucas Digne, and Yerry Mina. All four of them started against Cardiff, and the game suggested that Silva’s transfers are paying off.
Digne has seamlessly pushed Leighton Baines out of the team, and despite Baines’ legendary status at the club, not many are complaining. Digne’s former Barcelona teammate Gomes is putting behind a bad period at the Catalan club, and he is looking like the player he was at Valencia. Mina started just his second game against Cardiff, but he is looking like a good signing as well. Lastly, Richarlison has been full of energy and has scored six league goals already.
Everton’s project under the stewardship of Silva is slowly falling into place, and Saturday’s victory over Cardiff was yet another step towards establishing the Merseyside outfit as a top-seven Premier League side.
