Ashley Williams says Everton are now targeting fifth spot after impressive run of form
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Ashley Williams believes Everton have finally arrived.
The Blues are making a massive push for a European place on the Premier League run-in, and are now targeting fifth place after impressive back to back wins at Goodison.
Fifth spot would not only guarantee a Europa League place but also mean Everton would avoid any qualifying rounds for the competition.
And Williams believes not only is it now possible, but that Everton have earned the right to join battle with the massive clubs who will fight for that spot.
(Photo: Getty Images Europe)
(Photo: Shaun Botterill / Getty)
“Yeah, I think fifth place is a realistic aim. That’s what we’re trying to do, obviously whether we achieve it or not depends on what the others do as well,” he explained.
“But all we can do is look after our own games, and we’ve been doing that. We have to keep going - sometimes it’s important to just get the win and grind out a game.”
Under Ronald Koeman Everton have surprised a few critics this season, and they now stand just three points behind Manchester United, who currently occupy fifth place.
For Williams - who proved himself an elite player by taking Wales to the European Championship semi finals - it is proof the Blues can cut it with the very best.
(Photo: Getty Images Europe)
Asked if Everton have shown they can join that elite group of clubs at the summit of English football, he said: “Hopefully we look like one of those teams. We’ve got a lot of confidence, and obviously we’re winning a lot of games.
“That’s where we want to be. As the season’s gone on and on, I’ve felt that without it being said, we realise we are a good team, we can beat a lot of teams and we want to push to be in that top group in the league.
“It’s a difficult ask, but we feel we can break into that elite group.”