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Ronald Koeman says Everton are chasing fourth in Premier League

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Ronald Koeman, Manager of Everton applauds supporters during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Everton

Ronald Koeman has not ruled out Everton making a late run for Champions League qualification after extending their unbeaten Premier League run to nine games.

The 2-0 win over bottom side Sunderland, after goals from Idrissa Gana Gueye and Romelu Lukaku, sees the Toffees close the gap on fourth-placed Arsenal to six points.

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Koeman has urged his team, who lie seventh in the table, to set themselves the target of catching Arsene Wenger's side.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25:  Romelu Lukaku of Everton scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at
Image: Romelu Lukaku scores his side's second goal against Sunderland

"The worst situation for a football player is you play for nothing," he said.

"Yeah, [we want] the highest position but I like to play for something.

"Above us is still a gap but it is never ending, when it is five or six points it is still possible to reach them.

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Everton 2-0 Sunderland

"But the first team behind us is West Brom (four points back) and we get West Brom at home in two weeks."

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Koeman also praised striker Lukaku, who equalled the club record of 60 Premier League goals set by Duncan Ferguson, who is on his coaching staff.

The Belgium international reached the mark in 129 matches, 110 fewer than Ferguson, who has played a key role in the 23-year-old's development.

"Rom went to Duncan and, of course, Duncan knows that Romelu will beat his record," Koeman said.

"I think he will be happy when the record is broken because that means Lukaku is scoring and, normally, if he scores goals it gives the team three points."

Everton are next in action against Tottenham next Sunday, which is live on Sky Sports.

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