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Phil Jagielka hails Ashley Williams' influence as Everton makes best Premier League start for a decade

Everton captain Phil Jagielka admits the arrival of Ashley Williams has made his job easier and helped restore some much-needed solidity to the Blues' defence.

The Wales skipper made his first Premier League start since his summer move from Swansea in the 1-0 victory over Stoke, securing back-to-back-clean sheets after playing in the EFL Cup win over League Two Yeovil in midweek.

It is still early days but the 32-year-old has brought an assuredness to a backline that conceded 55 goals last season under Roberto Martinez, 30 of which came at home, as they threw away leads with alarming regularity.