Jags backs Jelavic to hit form

Everton defender Phil Jagielka has backed Nikica Jelavic to rediscover the sparkling form he enjoyed at the start of his Toffees career.

Last Updated: 05/12/12 at 13:34 Post Comment   

Nikica Jelavic: Backed to rediscover his goalscoring form

Nikica Jelavic: Backed to rediscover his goalscoring form

The Croatia international moved to Goodison Park from Rangers on transfer deadline day last January and made a flying start to life in a blue shirt.

The 27-year-old struck 11 goals in 16 games as Everton finished the 2011/12 strongly, eventually securing a seventh place finish in the Premier League.

This year the former Rapid Vienna frontman has found life a little tougher, scoring five goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, but with just one of those coming in his last eight matches.

Belgium star Marouane Fellaini has been pushed further forward by boss David Moyes this season, playing just behind Jelavic, and he has responded by scoring eight goals in 14 games.

Jelavic believes Fellaini's joy and Jelavic's woe is a prime example of how form can come and go in football and he has backed Jelavic to come good.

"Everything was working for him when he came and now the person who is playing up front with him - Felli - everything is coming off for him," he told the club's official website.

"Look up at Newcastle, Demba Ba was on fire then Papiss Cisse came and Ba didn't score. This season it is the opposite way round, that is the way cycles go.

"He knows we're supporting him and he'll get frustrated on the days it doesn't happen but we know he'll come good. And, at the moment we're doing okay without his goals so when he does hit the ground running again he'll make us even stronger."

Moyes' side take on fourth placed Spurs at Goodison Park on Sunday having seen the London club leapfrog them in the table following three successive wins.

Jagielka is all too aware of the task facing his side against Andre Villas-Boas' in-form team, but given the Toffees have not lost at home since March, he is confident they will give the Londoners a tough match.

"We have done well at Goodison this year and we want to make it a hard place to come," added the former Sheffield United man.

"It is going to be difficult, Spurs are free-scoring at the moment and keeping clean sheets but they have not had the best of runs when they have come to Goodison before and we want to make sure they go home at the weekend with a similar feeling."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

Footer 365

The SPL meet again on Monday to try and thrash out a deal for the Scottish game

The SPL meet again at Hampden Park on Monday to try and thrash out a deal for the reconstruction of Scottish football.

Transfer News: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert in talks to keep Christian Benteke

Paul Lambert is determined to keep Christian Benteke at Aston Villa next season despite interest from elsewhere.

Transfer news: Arsene Wenger to spend in summer to help Arsenal kick on

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to invest in new players and use this season as a springboard for success.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved