Phil Jagielka praises Ashley Williams' impact at Everton
Sunday 28 August 2016 11:09, UK
Everton captain Phil Jagielka admits the arrival of Ashley Williams has helped restore some much-needed solidity to their defence.
The Wales skipper made his first Premier League start for his new club in the 1-0 victory over Stoke on Saturday, securing back-to-back-clean sheets after playing in the EFL Cup win over League Two side Yeovil Town in midweek.
Everton conceded 55 goals last season under Roberto Martinez, 30 of which came at home.
And Jagielka said the arrival of Williams from Swansea City has made his job easier.
"He has only played two games but on paper two clean sheets," he said.
"It is nice to have another voice out there. We are quite a quiet team.
"He captains his country, he captained his previous team so it is nice to have players on the pitch who aren't scared to help their team-mates out.
"It makes your own job easier. Ash has played in a lot of divisions, played a lot of games and the experience and composure he has brought in the last couple of games puts us in good stead."
Ronald Koeman's side have made their best start to a campaign since 2006, with seven points from a possible nine.
Their victory over Stoke came courtesy of a Shay Given own goal after the ball hit the back of his head after Leighton Baines' penalty struck the post.
And Jagielka is pleased with the way his side are gelling.
"I don't think we are playing the ball around as much as we did in our own half but we are still playing decent football," said the 34-year-old.
"We have some talented players going forward. Spurs, West Brom and Stoke have given us three different types of tests but I think we have stood up to it quite well.
"I think we could have had more goals and we've ridden our luck a couple of times.
"There has not been a tremendous amount of difference but we have only been together for eight or nine weeks and a few players have come a bit later but it is exciting times ahead."
