Bernard says he is engaged in a “constant learning process” with Everton – and his team will draw on lessons from their recent draw with Newcastle United when they confront a “complicated” challenge against Watford on Saturday.

Everton are among a swarm of sides jockeying for position behind the Premier League’s top four, with only four points separating Manchester United in fifth from 14th-placed Newcastle.

The Blues are 12th, level on points with Newcastle, and could make significant headway by overcoming resurgent Watford, who are unbeaten in five league matches at their Vicarage Road home.

Bernard admits Everton must stamp out the mistakes which allowed Newcastle to escape with a point from a match the Blues dominated 10 days ago.

The Brazilian, who shone in that game, nevertheless insists Everton should be fixing their gaze upwards following a run of four wins and four draws from nine Premier League games.

“We have our targets and objectives for this season,” Bernard told evertontv.

“We want to play in the Europa League next season – but we need to take things game by game.

“All games in the Premier League are difficult and a lot of teams want to qualify for Europe.

“We believe in our quality and in our team. In our development and capability.

“It is going to be a difficult, complicated game against Watford.

“They had a bad start to the season but recently they have been getting really good results.

“Every game is different for us in terms of the background and the way we prepare.

“We are preparing really well for this match and looking to win to help us achieve those goals and targets.

“We cannot allow what happened in the last game at home to be repeated.

“We need to focus for the 90 minutes plus added time, get the win and move up the table.”

Bernard has dazzled in Everton’s past two home games, following up his fabulous individual contribution in a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion three weeks ago with a virtuoso performance in the draw with Newcastle.

The 27-year-old, a summer 2018 signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, created Moise Kean’s first goal for the Club with a sublime chipped pass.

In the same match, the South American sent over a match-high seven crosses from open play and had three attempts at goal.

Bernard was stung by the nature of Newcastle’s late comeback and is using that setback as further motivation to claim victory this weekend.

Viewing the bigger picture, he insists Evertonians are yet to see the best of their gifted forward.

“Without a doubt, I have always said we are on a constant learning process, gaining knowledge as people and professionals,” said Bernard.

“I try to focus on the weak parts of my game and improve them but also improve the strong parts of my game.

“I was quite upset about the last match, it was two points dropped.

“But I hope I continue developing and improving and helping the team.

“As long as I am here, I will do my best and contribute to the team and institution.

“My happiness is their happiness.”