Everton boss David Moyes says they deserve to be above Liverpool on the table.
After battling to a 1-1 draw at QPR despite having 10 men, the Toffees remain in fourth place as they head into the Merseyside derby at Goodison on Sunday.
Everton boss Moyes said: "I feel we belong where we are.
"We might dwindle away in the future but it's nice to be up there.
"We are in a healthier position than we have been for a long time and have momentum.
"We're playing with a lot of confidence and when we went down to 10 we showed the old-fashioned Everton - digging in and making sure we got something.
"We don't talk about finishing in the top four with the players but they feel it and smell it.
"You want to take your opportunities in football when they come along."