The Toffees are currently sixth in the league table with 23 points from 15 matches, three points off the final Champions League spot.
However, David Moyes' side have lost momentum in the last couple of months or so, having won just one of their last nine league matches.
This has prompted Howard to urge his team-mates to return to winning ways and raise their game from January onwards.
"We need to go to another level in January," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"We have to try and challenge ourselves, and if we want to be where we think we should be we have to get better.
"We've had a good start and we've played well consistently. I think we're right there in the thick of it with the top teams."


 





