Phil Jagielka is banking on happier final day

May 6 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

PHIL JAGIELKA is bracing himself for another nervy final-day showdown on Sunday – but is confident of a more successful outcome this time.

Everton’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal at the weekend means the Goodison Park side still require a point from their final game at home to Newcastle United to clinch fifth place and a second successive UEFA Cup qualification.

Last year, Jagielka was part of the Sheffield United team that entertained Wigan Athletic on the last day in what was effectively a relegation play-off.

United needed only a draw to stay up but were beaten 2-1, a Jagielka handball conceding the decisive penalty that was converted by former Everton defender David Unsworth.

Jagielka, though, believes his current team can finish the job at the weekend and ensure happier end-of-season memories.

“It’s looking a bit nerve-racking for the last game of the season again,” he said. “It would have been nice for there to be nothing on the game, but at least this time it’s for much nicer reasons.

“We’ve been in the driving seat for most of the season in fifth but in the last month there’s been a lot of talk of people catching us.

“It would be nice for us and the fans to finish in style. We’ve had a fantastic season, and we’ve had quite a few memorable nights in Europe and the League Cup, and hopefully we can win come Sunday.”

Everton have once again suffered a poor run during the final weeks of the season, taking just six points from their last eight games.

The defeat to Arsenal also means they have earned a solitary point from 24 on offer in games against the top four, despite a string of creditable performances against the leading quartet.

And Jagielka added to evertonTV: “Other than the game against Arsenal, we haven’t been beaten by more than a goal by the top teams.

“That’s something to build upon for next season, and I’m sure we will do better against them next season.”

A clean sheet from Jagielka and his team-mates on Sunday would be enough for Everton to stave off the challenge of Aston Villa and hold on to fifth place.

It would also ensure goalkeeper Tim Howard equals Neville Southall’s Premier League best of 15 shut-outs in a campaign.

And the United States international reckons Everton’s display in defeat at the Emirates offers reason for encouragement.

“If we put that kind of performance together in front of our own crowd next week, I’m sure we will be fine,” said Howard.

“We are still in a good situation, regardless of this defeat, and a lot of teams would want to swap places with us right now.

“I know the record is still there to equalled. Last year I needed to keep a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge but missed out (Everton drew 1-1) and this year it seems like I’ve had about eight chances to do it.

“Hopefully we will do it next week and if we do it, it will be as a team. It’s not just about me

“It hasn’t happened recently but we are due one. I’d be over the moon if it came against Newcastle.”

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