Everton defender Sylvain Distin is angered by claims they have overachieved this season.
Distin says there's no inferiority complex at Everton ahead of their FA Cup semi with Liverpool.
Distin said: "I can never understand what is meant by 'over-performing'. Does that mean we are supposed to be rubbish?
"It's not that it touches a nerve with me, but you could maybe overperform for one season or two if you are lucky. Everton tend to do it every season."
For all that the Toffees mix it with the best, boss David Moyes craves silverware to show for his decade at Goodison Park.
It's been 10 years on a shoestring compared to Liverpool, but Distin - an FA Cup winner with Portsmouth in 2008 - is undaunted.
"Maybe that shows it's not just about how much money you spend, it's how you spend it," the 34-year-old Frenchman said. "Not having a big squad means we are closer. Togetherness is our strength."
