Everton defender Phil Jagielka is full of praise for their sudden mean streak.

The tough defender has helped to mastermind nine hours without conceding a goal in a six-match unbeaten run which has seen the Toffees cement their place firmly in the Barclays Premier League top six.

"A few months ago we couldn't buy a clean sheet, but now we have started to defend really well and it's six games without us conceding now," he said.

"We are performing well, getting the lead and then seeing out games with the way we are playing at the back. It is certainly the right form to be in going into two games with Liverpool next.

"But Hull were tough. They are new to the division but they made us work as hard as any team I have played against, they didn't have that many chances though but we had to work for the win."