Everton capitulated at Bournemouth on Saturday, but the performance of Gylfi Sigurdsson should have fans feeling optimistic about the next few games despite Richarlison’s suspension.

Considering how well it so nearly went, Everton’s Saturday afternoon was a bit of a disaster.

The Toffees lost Richarlison to a red card and Michael Keane to a worrying injury, and Marco Silva could only watch as his side surrendered a two-goal lead at the Vitality Stadium.

While fans will no doubt be devastated by the result, the performance of Sigurdsson showed they will cope without Richarlison for the next couple of weeks, as the Icelandic playmaker showed exactly why the Toffees paid so much for him last summer.

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Sigurdsson was brilliant against Southampton last week, and he got the assist his performances deserve on Saturday when Michael Keane headed home his cross.

Cenk Tosun must be absolutely loving playing with the 28 year-old, as he fired in a total of eight crosses, five of them successful, and also supplied two key passes.

Silva demands a lot from his players though, and Sigurdsson is showing that he is more than happy to help out at the other end too, pitching in with two tackles and three interceptions.

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The Toffees will of course miss the goal threat of Richarlison in the next couple of weeks, but if Sigurdsson continues his current form, the results should keep on coming anyway.

The Icelandic international is one of the best playmakers in league when he’s at his best, and with Kevin De Bruyne injured, the title of assist king is there for the taking.

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So, Everton fans, how impressed have you been by Sigurdsson’s start to the season? How many assists will he get this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…