Everton FC's current lack of strikers could be costly in their bid for the top four, fears Phil Jagielka.
The Toffees created a string of chances during their 1-0 defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane but were unable to convert any of them.
A solitary second half goal by Emmanuel Adebayor saw the Londoners eventually overtake Everton in fifth place, and left Roberto Martinez’s men five points off Liverpool in fourth spot.
With January loan recruit Lacina Traore not considered fit for action despite being included among the substitutes, and Romelu Lukaku also sidelined for another fortnight, skipper Jagielka rued the lack of cutting edge which undermined their dominant opening 45 minutes.
The 31-year-old said: “We’re struggling a little bit at the moment. Lacina is not quite right yet and it’s difficult because although we played some good stuff we were perhaps missing that fox in the box or target man to get us the goal. It’s frustrating and at the least we should probably have kept a clean sheet and come away with 0-0 but we didn’t.
“It’s going to be a little bit harder for us now, there are other teams in the mix for fourth.
“If we’d beat Spurs we’d have pushed on a little bit, but there’s still 13 games left and a lot of points to play for.
“A lot of teams are trying to get as many points as they can for one reason or another and we’ve got a lot of hard games too. We’ve got a tough one coming up against Palace.”
Tottenham’s goal came in controversial circumstances after referee Mark Clattenburg allowed Kyle Walker to take it quickly 10 yards from where the foul was given, and ignored a dubious challenge on Leon Osman in the build-up.
“We had the better chances on the day but we were so frustrated with the goal,” said Jagielka. “It looks as if Ossie was fouled before it and then everything happened so quickly and it was a case of was he or wasn’t he onside?
“It was a great finish though and you can’t take that away from Adebyaor. We didn’t take our own chances and we were punished for it.”
Everton were at least able to welcome the return of influential right-back Seamus Coleman, and on-loan Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu, even if the latter was unable to help them grab a point during his second half cameo from the bench.
“Gerry has been looking good in training but it’s difficult to come into a game when you’ve been out for a while,” said Jagielka.
“Maybe the time he had will benefit him in the weeks ahead and he’ll be a game changer for us in his next game.
“I’m just so disappointed to have lost. We needed to get at least a draw because us and Spurs are competing for fourth. The next week will be very important now and we need to keep our confidence going, play like we did in the first half, and score the goals when we get the chances.”
Surely its a bit late now Jags? Maybe you should have said something 2 weeks ago MATE.
