Everton manager David Moyes has said that finishing above local rivals Liverpool in the Premier League is not "desperately important".
The Glaswegian was speaking after this evening's 1-1 draw at Stoke City which saw the Toffees move three points ahead of their Merseyside neighbours, who were beaten by Fulham.
When asked about the importance of finishing above the Reds, Moyes replied: "It's is not desperately important, the important thing is to finish in the top 10 and this point might just about secure that. If we can win the last two games and finish up there it will be a good season for us."
Moyes also expressed his disappointment at the defending of his players in the period of play before Cameron Jerome's equaliser at the Britannia, saying: "We're not impressed by the defending for their goal. You would hope someone would take the ball off him."
Everton's remaining two games this season are at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and a final-day visit of Newcastle United.