Gylfi Sigurdsson says a collective belief “we can beat anyone” is underpinning Everton’s promising campaign.

The team’s form at Goodison Park is a pressing issue, however, and must be addressed to achieve the season’s overarching aim of European qualification, according to the midfielder.

Sigurdsson scored the penalty that sealed victory in last week's Merseyside derby and maintained Everton’s position within striking distance of the Premier League’s top four.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have claimed 26 of their 40 points from away matches and will aim for a first league victory in six home games when Southampton visit on Monday.

“We do believe we can beat anyone and that has got us a lot of points this season,” said Sigurdsson.

“Also, the manager has got the tactics spot on against the big teams.

“The spirit in the side has always been there but the quality has gone up and we have a squad that is bigger and continually improving.

“All I was thinking before taking the penalty [against Liverpool] was that I had to score, it was quite simple.

“I know how significant that game is for the Club and the fans and the team and it was hugely important we got the three points after two disappointing results.

“The atmosphere in training is always better after a positive result and even more so after winning a derby.

“It will be good for confidence leading into the next game.

“The form at Goodison is something we have talked about and need to improve.

“We’ve let ourselves down in some games and dropped points when there were great chances to move up the league.

“I am sure in the next couple of games we will start winning at home and, hopefully, that will make the difference in terms of taking us up the table.”

Sigurdsson has featured in 41 of manager Ancelotti’s 44 Premier League matches in charge of Everton – only once missing out altogether when fit.

The Icelander scored the only goal in victories over Chelsea and Sheffield United which bookended a four-game winning run in December.

He was on target in a 2-1 win at Leeds United this month and netted his fourth league goal of the season to put Everton out of sight at Anfield eight days ago.

And Sigurdsson, who is predominantly being employed in his favoured attacking midfield position, credits the wily Ancelotti’s coaching and knowhow for Everton’s ongoing upturn.

“We are very lucky to have him as our manager and to learn from him and experience how he is in training and games,” said Sigurdsson.

“The intensity and quality of training have increased.

“He demands a lot from his players and if there is anyone who can take the Club to the next level it is him.

“It is easy to trust a manager who has won pretty much every trophy in football and seen everything so many times.

“He wants to win things – and wants to win every game. You see how much it means to him when we win or lose.

“He is one of the best managers there’s been and has managed some of the best players in the world.

“He is the first in and last to leave and still hungry to be in football and win games and improve the team.

“It is a pleasure to work with him and incredible how much he cares about the team.”

Ancelotti’s immediate concern is to plot the downfall of Southampton, whose season has stalled following a blistering opening.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side went top in November and were the first team this season to overcome Everton.

“They started the season really well and looked like a fantastic team and I think they still are,” added Sigurdsson.

“They have a good manager and good players.

“They have a pressing game which is sometimes difficult to play against and it will be a very tough game, for sure.

"There is always something you need to work on, or that the manager and players are not happy with, and we need to do better at home."