Wayne Rooney has expressed confidence in Carlo Ancelotti led Everton side this season
The Toffees were the only unbeaten side in the Premier League following Leeds United's 3-0 hammering of Aston Villa on Friday.
Although the Merseyside Blues have now conceded their first defeat against Southampton on Sunday afternoon in a 2-0 scoreline at Saint Mary's stadium.
Rooney who failed to foresee the table leaders' defeat ahead of clash predicted the Merseyside club for an exploding campaign while reflecting at their last week 2-2 derby draw.
"Before last weekend's Mersey derby I had a feeling I haven't had since I was a young lad supporting Everton," Rooney wrote on his Times column
"It was a confidence that we could go toe-to-toe with Liverpool.
"For the first time in a long time I didn’t fear being second best: I just couldn't wait for the game to come round.
"I think a lot of Everton supporters feels the same – there is just a different belief among us.
"And the team did not let us down in the derby. By coming back twice against a Liverpool side that played so well, it showed the big strides being made at Goodison Park."
The 35-year-old who started his career at Goodison Park before joining Manchester United went on to suggest what the his former side's target should be and how to improve even more this season.
"The top four is doable," he added.
"It will be difficult because there are seven or eight teams competing for those spots and some big clubs will have to miss out but top four has to be the target, given Everton’s start.
"If they can get to January still in the frame and let Ancelotti bring in another couple of players, they will have a great chance.
"Their biggest issue is squad depth. In Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bernard they have a couple of players who can come off the bench to provide something different but they need one or two more; players who don’t have to be world-beaters but who can slot straight into the team without a major drop in quality if there are injuries.
"They need a real back up for Allan and another striking option for games where the opposition is equipped to deal with Calvert-Lewin’s threat.
"But, as we saw against Liverpool, this is an Everton that can handle challenges."