Saturday 4 April 2015 18:31, UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists his side are using their European disappointment to spur them on to a higher league finish.
The Toffees were knocked out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage by Dynamo Kiev two weeks ago and were firmly in the relegation battle last month after successive defeats.
But Martinez’ side lifted themselves to 11th – their highest league position of 2015 – by beating Southampton for a third successive Premier League win and the Spaniard now has his sights set on a top-half finish.
"As disappointed as we were in the Europa League, it allows us to look back, see how we’ve done and use that experience in the league," he said after Phil Jagielka’s goal sealed a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
"We always had the focus to get as many points as we could and in games like this today, when margins are small against good teams, the European experience helps you.
"We have an exciting period ahead of us now and the top half is achievable. All we can control is our own points tally; we have 37 points now and we want to increase that to the maximum and keep our standards high.
"The win today was as pleasing a performance as we’re going to get. We faced a very good team and I thought the performance was very mature. We had to manage the game and we defended well."
Everton had to hold on for large periods as Saints searched for the point that would have sent them fifth in the division, and Martinez held specific praise for his captain Jagielka and goalkeeper Tim Howard.
"Phil is at an incredible level and for him to score was the perfect way to top some magnificent performances from him in last few games," Martinez said.
"Tim came up with two magnificent moments and that’s what makes him special. When you have a keeper that keeps you in games it’s vital."
