Football
John Brewin, ESPN FC 10y

Phil Jagielka goal against Liverpool 'incredible,' says Roberto Martinez

LIVERPOOL -- Everton boss Roberto Martinez hailed Phil Jagielka's last-minute Merseyside derby equaliser as the best goal he has ever seen in the flesh.

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The Toffees skipper's 25-yard shot left Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet utterly beaten and stopped Liverpool counterpart Steven Gerrard from being the match-winner once more, as the game ended 1-1 at Anfield.

"I don't think I have seen a better strike in live football," Martinez said. "You think it has to be an incredible strike to put it in the top corner and it was.

"The way he adjusted his body was quite impressive. Nearly with the outside of his foot, the outside of his laces. It helps it is at Anfield, in the last minute and for my team."

Jagielka, who also gave a fine defensive display, received the fulsome praise of his manager, for his response to recent criticism dating back to a torrid World Cup with England.

Martinez said: "When you look at some of the reports of his England performances, he didn't play in the two games recently and because of our defensive record this season, there was talk of a World Cup hangover, that was unfair.

"Today I was so so proud. He cares for this club like no one else. It was an example of his belief in himself and the responsibility he has."

Liverpool thought they had the derby won through Gerrard's 65th-minute free kick, in a game short on thrills and entertaining football, though Martinez disputed the decision for a Leighton Baines foul on Mario Balotelli that led to the award of the kick.

He said: "I thought it was a bit unlucky to be given that decision which I thought should have gone the other way, we had two decisions, to give in or keep fighting. What we got today is the most pleasing result we had this season."

Martinez admitted that his injury-hit squad had struggled.

"I don't think we played the way we can play on the ball," he said. "I don't think we were at our best in that respect. It was a real test of character, coming to Anfield, we all know that for 15 years we have not won. In the first half we looked in control but didn't make the right decisions in the final third."

The Spaniard was more than happy to take such a late draw, and suggested that the result could begin a revival after the Toffees' troubled start to the season. "To get a point at Anfield can change the dynamics of our season," he said.

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