Everton’s Phil Jagielka insists club are focused on picking up points, not overtaking Liverpool

Phil Jagielka of Everton (Getty Images)

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Despite only being two points behind their city rivals Liverpool, Everton defender Phil Jagielka has insisted that overtaking the Reds is not on their mind.

The Toffees are currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League after five wins in their last seven matches and despite their rise up the table Jagielka insisted they were only concentrating on winning and not the clubs ahead of them.

“There’s no point setting goals to beat another club,” he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

“Obviously it adds a bit of spice with Liverpool being two points ahead, but if you ask the boss, he just wants the run to keep going and pick up points.”

David Moyes’ men take on Manchester United in their next Premier League match and, after their recent upturn in form, Jagielka feels condifent they can go to Old Trafford and keep their current level of performances going.

“We can go out with no pressure, keep it tight and see where it takes us,” he continued.

“We can’t rest players, so let’s go and win as many as we can.

“The fans have had a frustrating time of it as well as the players and we want to put that behind us.”

And the England defender heaped praise on the club’s youngsters for stepping up to the first team and covering for the loss of some key players.

During the season Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta have all been struggling with injuries this season but the impact of players such as Seamus Coleman has impressed Jagielka and taken the pressure off the rest of the team.

“It takes a bit of the pressure off us,” he admitted.

“We’ve not got much to play for as far as qualifying for Europe, so why not give these boys a bit of experience?”

“We don’t have to look over our shoulders now, it’s pretty obvious we’re safe from relegation.

“People might be writing us off, but we have a good team spirit and the lads who haven’t had much game time are getting it now.”