PHIL JAGIELKA has hit back at Steven Gerrard’s claim Everton are a long-ball team similar to Stoke City – and hinted Liverpool are in danger of becoming more style than substance.

Gerrard made his comments in the immediate aftermath of a controversial 219th Merseyside derby at Goodison on Sunday.

Jagielka laughed off the accusation while pointing to statistics from the match that revealed Everton were the more dominant attacking force during the 2-2 draw.

And the centre-back is adamant David Moyes’s side will continue to play to their strengths and look to capitalise on the threat of Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic rather than over-elaborate in midfield.

“It does make you chuckle, but Stevie is saying things like that then there must be a reason behind it which must be that we are doing something well,” said Jagielka.

“If Stevie says we are a long ball team then I’m not going to deny the fact that we play long balls.

“Do we play long balls for the full 90 minutes? No. But we play quite direct.

“Who wouldn’t when you have someone in form like Felli who can bring the ball down from fun and we start creating things from there? Why wouldn’t you do that?”