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Ronald Koeman has revealed why he chose to start Phil Jagielka against West Brom – and his “painful” decision to leave out Idrissa Gueye.

Jagielka was surprisingly recalled for Everton’s 3-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday, the Blues skipper making his first start since December 30 at the expense of Ramiro Funes Mori.

The 34-year-old’s Goodison future looks uncertain, but Jagielka responded with a comfortable performance as his side kept a solid clean sheet against the Baggies.

“He did well,” Koeman said afterwards. “Maybe in the beginning there were too many balls back to the goalkeeper, which I don’t like. I would prefer the ball into the channel, because then you can press your opponent.

“But overall I think defensively the team was strong, and he was one of them.

“My mind today was clear; it was a good game for Jags – the way how West Brom play. It suited him.”

Koeman’s other selection call was to leave out Gueye, who had started the defeat at Tottenham the previous week, and bring in Kevin Mirallas. He was rewarded for his decision as Mirallas grabbed the opening goal while Gareth Barry, preferred in midfield to Gueye, delivered a strong performance.

“It was painful to leave Gana out, but the reason to start with Gareth was that we will have a lot of ball possession and he is really clever on the ball,” Koeman added. “And West Brom don’t have a lot of runners from midfield.

“But it is easy to mention that if you win 3-0, eh?! If not, they will kill me about the line-up!”