Everton

Phil Jagielka praises Everton squad depth

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 12 January 2014

Phil Jagielka believes that Everton's 2-0 victory over Norwich City, which came without several key players, demonstrates the Toffees' squad depth.

Everton captain Phil Jagielka believes that their 2-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday demonstrated the strength in depth of their squad.

Without regulars such as Sylvain Distin, Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu, and long-term absentees Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson, the Toffees comfortably overcame Chris Hughton's side thanks to a long-range strike from Gareth Barry and a Kevin Mirallas free kick.

"It was a tough game especially the last part of the second half," he told reporters. "We had to sort of hang in there and work that little bit harder for a clean sheet but they were two fantastic goals for us and it's nice to walk away with three points.

"It says a lot about the squad if you think of the players that haven't been available and weren't available today - we still had a pretty decent looking bench as well - so the squad is decent in numbers.

"Hopefully we get a few of those boys back as quick as possible and it's going to be an interesting end to the season."

Everton are currently fourth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Merseyside rivals Liverpool.