Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta targets upturn in fortunes after FA Cup progress

Mikel Arteta of Everton(Getty Images)

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Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is adamant the club can still have a good season despite having a poor start to the campaign.

The Toffees have spent the majority of the season in the bottom half of the table but after Saturday’s 2-0 win against Sunderland at Goodison Park, the Merseysiders now sit in 10th place.

Although the Blues’ league form has been inconsistent, they are in the fifth round of the FA Cup after defeating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Arteta feels the win against the champions has given the team a new breed of confidence.

“I think it was a good performance,” Arteta told reporters.

“We needed that to build on last Saturday’s game and the confidence we got from that. Hopefully we are back on it now. Tuesday is a massive game. Hopefully we can get through and hopefully it is going to be sold out.”

Everton take on Reading in the fifth round on Tuesday and the Spaniard says it would be great if the club could collect some silverware this term.

“Let’s give the fans something as well. It is the only chance now we have got to win something, so let’s beat Reading and that will make a big difference to the season.

“I also didn’t get the chance to play in the [2009] final because I was injured, so hopefully we can beat Reading and get closer to returning there.”

The Spaniard has himself had a quiet season by his standards, but looked backed to his best after an accomplished performance in Saturday’s victory against Sunderland.

“I have had a season where it has been tough for me,” added Arteta.

“I have been trying hard but some of the things haven’t gone the way I wanted.

“I think for creative players it is even harder than for defenders. But I kept working and I am finding my form and I am confident now.”

The ex-Rangers man signed a new five-year contract with the club last summer after reported interest from both Chelsea and Arsenal.