Naismith: The Arsenal win was massive, but the Sunderland win was just as big

In-form Everton striker Steven Naismith says that the win over Sunderland was just as impressive as the win over Arsenal a week earlier as his side look to take advantage and try and claim the final champions league spot.

Naismith felt that his side coped well with a side that were battling for their Premier League survival and eventually that paid off as Gerard Deulofeu put in a wicked cross that was turned into his own net by Wes Brown.

“Last week was a massive three points and this one was just as big,” said Naismith. “It was hard fought but, to be honest, we expected that before the game.

“Sunderland are fighting for their lives and we knew they would give everything, start at a high tempo and try to get the crowd behind them.

“We weathered that early storm and we knocked the ball around well without creating too many chances. But we kept doing the right things and eventually it paid off.”

Naismith was glad that his awful miss in the match never came back to haunt him after skying a couple of chances which could have cost his team 3 points.

He added: “Bainesy’s played a good ball in and I’ve managed to turn the defender. I’ve probably got more time than I thought and I’ve leant back a bit and it’s gone over the bar. But, in the end, we’ve worked hard and we’ve got the result, and that’s what we need.

“The confidence is really high and it shows you the confidence we’ve got in the squad with Gerard Deulofeu coming in and effectively getting the matchwinner.

“That’s what it’s been all along – about the squad. We’re confident going into every game and now we’re at the business end of things we just need to keep on winning.

“We know what the goal is but we’re not getting carried away. It wasn’t the prettiest of games but the result was the main thing.”

Which win were you most impressed with?  Arsenal or Sunderland?  Have your say on our forum with thousands of other Evertonians – www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum