Steven Naismith feels Everton's juggling of Premier League and Europa League duties has affected their form this season.
The Toffees produced a much-needed league win by beating QPR 3-1 at Goodison Park on Monday night which lifted them to 10th on the table after three matches without a victory.
Everton are back in European action this term, having recently completed a successful group stage campaign, which suggests to Naismith that their domestic form has been at times slightly negative due to their other obligations.
"Going into the Europa League this year gave us a few more problems in terms of the amount of games we play but when you work so hard to get into situations you want to take the club to the next level and that is being able to play week in, week out and multiple games in the league," he told Sky Sports 1.
"That's what we'll continue to try and do and work our way up the table."
Everton's win on Monday came courtesy of goals from Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas and Naismith before Bobby Zamora pulled one back late for the visiting R's.
