Monday 2 February 2015 11:01, UK
Everton captain Phi Jagielka thinks Saturday's 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace was a timely boost ahead of the Merseyside derby at home to Liverpool next weekend.
Roberto Martinez’s side went into Saturday’s match under pressure after a run of just one win in 13 in all competitions.
But they got back on track ahead of tough matches against their local rivals and then league leaders Chelsea, thanks to an early goal from Romelu Lukaku.
And England defender Jagielka said: “We have got a win that has been long overdue and hopefully we can go on a run.
"Not many of the boys would have needed a lift going into the derby but it wouldn't have been nice going into it, if we hadn't have got the win.
"The way things go, especially in football, we tend to build people up very quickly and shoot them down just as quickly.
"That is the same with us. The manager and the players, we have taken a lot of stick, but people pay a lot of money to come and see us play.
“They are allowed their opinion, we understand that, and we know that is the nature of the beast. Win, and you are superstars.
"A 1-0 win doesn't make us superstars yet, but a victory next week against Liverpool might.”
Everton are now 12th, seven points clear of the drop zone, but Jagielka says they will not be taking their Premier Leageu status for granted.
"There is still a long way to go in the season,” he said. “We have got a lot of confidence in this squad but, when you are not winning games or picking up three points, that gap gets smaller and smaller.
"We know we have got a difficult run coming up and, as players, you can’t help but look to the future and know you have to start winning sooner or later.
"With the squad that the manager has got here, we shouldn't be looking over our shoulder, but we are not stupid enough to think that we are too good not to."
