Everton FC News: PHL JAGIELKA believes fortune escaped Everton after their push for Europe ended at the weekend.
Jagielka saw a potentially winning goal chalked off in the goalless draw at Stoke City on Saturday, a result that means David Moyes’s side cannot overtake neighbours Liverpool in the race for seventh place and the final Europa League berth.
The centre-back headed in Mikel Arteta’s corner but the strike was disallowed with Victor Anichebe adjudged to be standing in an offside position and impeding Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
And Jagielka reckons luck deserted Everton but admits referee Howard Webb was technically correct to not allow the goal.
“We feel as if we've fallen at the final hurdle,” said Jagielka. “We had to put pressure on the teams above us with a win, but as you can tell with the goal disallowed, luck wasn't on our side.
“I was surprised and a little bit embarrassed to be honest as obviously I went off and did my silly little dance in front of the fans, but I was gutted.
“I've been out for a while now and it would have been nice to have got a goal that meant something towards the end of the season, but unfortunately it's not to be.
“If you're looking at the letter of the law, maybe the referee has got it right. Let's be honest, it's a bit of a grey area when your man that's in there isn't really doing anything, but just in the general area.”
Since making his return from a serious knee injury as a second-half substitute in February, Jagielka has appeared in every Everton game.
It has given the 27-year-old an outside chance of breaking into Fabio Capello’s England squad for next month’s World Cup.
“I was a little bit tired towards the end but it's been 10 games on the spin now, a great little mini-season for me,” said Jagielka. “It's great to be back.”
Meanwhile, Everton are hopeful Steven Pienaar will return for Sunday’s season finale after missing out at the Britannia Stadium after turning his ankle in training at Finch Farm last week.
