LOUIS SAHA believes Everton’s comprehensive defeat of Champions League-chasing Manchester City is proof they can still launch a charge for a European place.

Saha reckons David Moyes’s side produced their best performance of the season in seeing off moneybags City 2-0 at Goodison on Saturday.

It extended their unbeaten Premier League run to seven games and moved them into the top half of the table for the first time in more than three months.

After the previous week’s draw at Arsenal, it was further evidence of how Everton’s fortunes are improving as their injury crisis eases, with the defence keeping only a third clean sheet in their last 22 games.

And although the Goodison outfit remain 10 points adrift of a Europa League place, Saha is refusing to rule out another top-six finish.

“I think it was the best we have played this season,” said the French striker of the weekend win. “Not only going forward but also at the back. We were playing against a team who have scored a lot of goals, but we defended really well and to keep a clean sheet was a real bonus.

“I really believe in this team. We have players to come back from injury and from the African Cup of Nations. When we have everyone fit and available we will be up there.

“It was tough when we had so many injuries but now confidence is high. We have playing coming back and others will be back soon so it’s a real boost for us.

“Is Europe realistic? We just have to keep going. We have a big month coming up. Let’s see how that goes and after that we will decide what’s realistic.”

Saha was on target from the spot against City, his 13th goal in 23 appearances this campaign

And he said: “It was nice to score but to take three points was the most important thing. It was a great performance.