Kevin Mirallas says Everton can make a serious statement of intent with a victory at high-flying Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Mirallas, 29, told this week’s episode of The Everton Show that a favourable result against second-placed Spurs will be a huge boost to the Blues’ quest to qualify for European football.
A week ago, Tottenham dismantled Stoke City 4-0 at White Hart Lane but Everton head to the capital as the Premier League’s form team, with 21 points recouped from the past nine fixtures.
“Every time we [continue] to look forward,” said the forward. “We are in a good position. We are a little bit of an outsider but if we continue to win the tough games then we will have a good chance to get in the top five.
“Tottenham had a top performance last week and they are in a good moment. It’s a very big test for the team - if we win or draw this game, I think it’s a good result. If we draw against Tottenham and win the next two games at home [against West Bromwich Albion and Hull City], we have a good chance to make it into the top five or six.”
Two of the Premier League’s leading scorers will grace the same pitch on Sunday, with Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane, who have both hit the net 17 times this season, in opposition. Also on the same total is Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez.
Mirallas is backing his club and international teammate to win the race for the Golden Boot.
“They are on top form at the moment, Harry Kane and Rom,” added the Belgian forward. “For me, Rom is better. He’s stronger and faster. It’s true Harry Kane was the best goalscorer in the Premier League last season but I hope Rom can win that trophy this year.
“Rom has 17 and I hope he can get 10 or 15 more. If he finishes as the top goalscorer, we have the chance to finish in the top five.”
Mirallas also spoke about the sensible approach he has taken in the past month to overcome a groin problem which forced him to miss the Middlesbrough match in mid-February.
He made his return from the injury as a late substitute in last Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Sunderland.
Mirallas explained: “Against Bournemouth I felt a little bit of a stretch in my groin. In the week after the game, my groin felt a little bit tight. I talked with the medical department and the manager and it was decided the better option was not to play against Middlesbrough. In the mini-break in Dubai I worked hard to come back stronger and I now feel fit and very good. I was able to play a couple of minutes against Sunderland.
“I’m 29 years old and I know my body. Before, if I had a little bit of pain I would say nothing, play and train, then get injured for one or two months. Now when I have a problem I will tell the doctor if I had a little bit of pain in my back or my hamstring. It’s better to miss one game rather than one month.”
