Jagielka shocked by Hammers' misery

Published Apr. 1, 2010 12:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

Everton's Phil Jagielka has been surprised at West Ham's struggles but he's still wary of what Gianfranco Zola's side can produce on their day.

The Merseysiders host the Hammers on Sunday with the visitors firmly entrenched in a relegation battle. Jagielka admits he thought they would be much better off than they are at this stage of the season and feels off-field issues - including the recent takeover - has had an effect.

"I have been surprised that West Ham have been in a relegation fight this season," said the centre-back.

"The squad they have got is still good and they have some great players but I think the main word for their season is consistency. They haven't put four or five good results together that would see them climb up the table.

"I think there has been a lot of talk off the pitch about them having to sell their best players and reports that the club wasn't financially stable.

"Those off the field activities haven't really helped them."