Everton boss Sean Dyche paid tribute to Ipswich Town's fighting spirit, but said his side could have scored more in their 2-0 win at Portman Road,

The Blues delivered one of their flattest displays of the season as the Toffees made it four unbeaten in the top tier with a comfortable win.

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Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane got the goals for the visitors before the break, with Dyche saying he was pleased that his side - who have shown defensive frailties this season - saw out the game for a second straight clean sheet. 

Dyche enthused: “I’m really pleased, a very professional performance.

“I thought we delivered a very strong performance defensively today to make sure we looked after the lead.

"I thought the shape of the team was good to make sure we saw the game through.

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“They (Ipswich) have done amazing and are fighting for everything, which they need to do, of course.

"It’s difficult but I thought we showed a bit of authority today all round with our professionalism and the shape of the team.”

Everton celebrate going 2-0 upEverton celebrate going 2-0 up (Image: Steve Waller) Dyche added: "In many different areas we looked a threat, and maybe you could argue the main gripe is that we didn’t score more goals, but our game management was good today.

"People have questioned that, but it shows the team are learning – doing the hard bit, the ugly bit, to make sure we looked after ourselves. So there was a lot of pleasing aspects.

“I must say our fans have filled the away end again. It’s a long journey after some terrible weather so I thank them for their support as well.

"Both our goals are good finishes. We know Keano is a very good finisher and we want goals to come in different ways so I'm pleased with that.

"The most pleasing part, though, was how we handled the game. It’s not easy coming to these grounds because they’re full of energy and belief."