Leighton Baines urges Everton to build on Brighton win
Everton left back Leighton Baines hailed his team’s performance as the Blues beat Brighton on Saturday but wants the side to push on now.
Baines was himself instrumental in securing the three points for Everton as he produced a fine display on his return to the team. He also provided the assist for striker Cenk Tosun’s winner late in the second half.
Now the England international wants the players to make sure they kick on and maintain the sort of form they showed against the Seagulls.
"Speaking to evertonfc.com Baines said “We dominated the first 45 minutes and the goal didn’t come. But we knew if we kept playing the way were that eventually we’d get a break and we did. “We knew it was a big game. The three points is massive and gives us the opportunity to push on and look ahead of us instead of behind us.”"
And Baines was also very pleased to see how well Tosun is now settling into life at Everton. Tosun scored for the second straight Premier League match and his strike at Goodison Park sealed the three points.
"“He’s up and running and it’s great to see,” Baines said. “His performance was great as well. He made things stick and I thought his all-round game deserved a goal.”"
For his part it seemed that Tosun was just as impressed with his team mates pass as his celebration pretending to polish Baines’ left boot showed!
For Evertonians it is a great boost to see Baines back in the side as well as right back Seamus Coleman who has returned after his horrific leg-break last year.
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The two of them provide great natural width and quality going forward as well as the defensive experience they have.
Along with the return of veteran centre half Phil Jagielka at the heart of the defence, they made a big difference to the Blues at the back.
Everton need to take all the positives and sustain their form from last weekend as they head to Stoke City for the next game on the 17 March.
While Everton’s home form has actually proved crucial in securing the club’s survival after such a traumatic season, the Blues away form has been abysmal.
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Now is the perfect chance to turn that away from around. With the return of so many key players from injury and Tosun finding his goal scoring form, Everton must push on and grab all the points next weekend.