Sigurdsson: I Could Feel Our 'Confidence And Freedom' Return

Gylfi Sigurdsson says he could feel “confidence and freedom” returning to Everton’s play at Cardiff City and believes the manner of team’s victory in south Wales can ignite a positive run of form.

Two fine finishes from the Icelander either side of half-time set the Blues on their way against Neil Warnock’s team.

First, he expertly swept home from Seamus Coleman’s cutback before powering a left-footed effort into the roof of the net after excellent work from substitute Bernard.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s stoppage-time strike wrapped up a comprehensive 3-0 success for Marco Silva’s men – and Sigurdsson is convinced Everton can build on their authoritative display.

Next up for the Toffees is a Merseyside derby meeting with Liverpool at Goodison Park on Sunday.

“It was a good performance from us against Cardiff,” he said. “Three points, three goals and a clean sheet, so It was a perfect game.

“We know how tough they are to play against, especially at home, but I thought we dealt with them well.

"When we made it 2-0, you could feel the confidence and freedom come into the team. I thought we controlled it and we probably could have had more goals if we were more clinical.

“The win is important to us and it’s nice to get it with a performance like that.

“It would be fantastic to back it up with another good performance and another good result on Sunday.”


Sigurdsson says he is savouring the opportunity to compete in another derby showdown.

The 29-year-old will head into the game in confident mood after his double at the Cardiff City Stadium. 

He is now the Toffees’ top Premier League goalscorer having struck 11 times in the top-flight in 2018-19. The playmaker has also contributed five assists this term.

“These are the games [Merseyside derbies] you look forward to before the season starts,” he said.

“It will be good for us to recover for the next couple of days and get ready for the big game on Sunday.

“You always want to win these games, especially after the disappointing end to the game the last time we played. It would be fantastic to get one over them.”

Sigurdsson’s brace on Tuesday night also saw him move above Eidur Gudjohnsen to become the Premier League’s highest-scoring Icelandic player.


Sigurdsson's first strike in the English top flight came back in February 2012, as his Swansea City side beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on a snowy afternoon at The Hawthorns.

His haul of Premier League goals now stands at 57, two more than the total racked up by former Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers striker Gudjohnsen.

Everton's Club-record signing admits the landmark is one he has had his sights on for some time.

“I’ve been waiting to get that!” he said. 

“I’m very proud. When I was growing up I wanted to be like Eidur and play in the Premier League. I don’t know if I’ll hear from him, hopefully he’ll send me a text! 

“But it’s fantastic to finally go above him.”