Everton defender Phil Jagielka says his side have to beat teams outside the top four to improve their league position.
The Blues are seven games without a Premier League win and are 15th after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wigan.
"We've had good results against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham, but it's about 38 games," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"It's not just about the top four, top six or top seven - we need to start picking up points in every game."
Everton are still just two points above the relegation zone as they prepare to face third-placed Manchester City at Eastlands on Monday.
The England international believes the 0-0 result against the Latics at the weekend shows they need to remedy their lack of potency in front of goal.
"I'm sure if we were further up the table and doing better we'd have probably beaten Wigan, but it's just the way it goes," Jagielka continued.
"Unfortunately we're getting a few chances a game and a few half chances but not scoring goals.
"The atmosphere [at Goodison Park] isn't brilliant but we can't blame the fans for that as we're not giving them too much to shout about.
"Believe me, we're trying and hopefully things will turn soon and we'll start scoring goals."
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