|
|
Leighton Baines: New signings have given Everton a boost
The England international has hailed the January arrivals of Landon Donovan and Darron Gibson, among others, as the Toffees attempt to climb into the top half of the league table
9 Feb 2012 21:15:00
By Nathan Lowe
Getty Images
Everton defender Leighton Baines says the new faces arriving at Goodison Park in January have given everybody at the club a boost.
The Toffees welcomed American forward Landon Donovan back on a short-term loan deal, while winger Steven Pienaar arrived from Tottenham until the end of the season.
Everton also signed £5.5 million striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers, with midfielder Darron Gibson moving to Merseyside from Manchester United earlier in the window.
Baines says the arrivals have boosted morale as David Moyes' side fight for a European spot during the second half of the Premier League season.
"I think [January's transfer dealings] lifted everyone associated with the club, it certainly did from what we see within the club, it gave everyone a boost," the left-back told Evertontv.
"It was massive, in particular, what that 24 hours did for us with the two new lads coming in [on deadline day] and the win over Manchester City.
"We needed it and it does lift people. It is hard to articulate exactly why that is at times but to get the new bodies in really helped.
"It was a productive period for the club and we certainly feel as though we are on the up again."
Everton host Chelsea on Saturday afternoon and Baines admits his side, who currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League, must improve their home form to climb into the top half of the table.
"Our home form has not been good enough and we knew that," he said.
"Things have not been great this season so it was nice to win that one [against Manchester City] and it is important we keep the momentum going.
"We want to win all our home games and we know we have to work hard and pick our form up.
"Hopefully that will be the case as we do feel as if we are on an upward curve now."
The Toffees welcomed American forward Landon Donovan back on a short-term loan deal, while winger Steven Pienaar arrived from Tottenham until the end of the season.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Everton also signed £5.5 million striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers, with midfielder Darron Gibson moving to Merseyside from Manchester United earlier in the window.
Baines says the arrivals have boosted morale as David Moyes' side fight for a European spot during the second half of the Premier League season.
"I think [January's transfer dealings] lifted everyone associated with the club, it certainly did from what we see within the club, it gave everyone a boost," the left-back told Evertontv.
"It was massive, in particular, what that 24 hours did for us with the two new lads coming in [on deadline day] and the win over Manchester City.
"We needed it and it does lift people. It is hard to articulate exactly why that is at times but to get the new bodies in really helped.
"It was a productive period for the club and we certainly feel as though we are on the up again."
Everton host Chelsea on Saturday afternoon and Baines admits his side, who currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League, must improve their home form to climb into the top half of the table.
"Our home form has not been good enough and we knew that," he said.
"Things have not been great this season so it was nice to win that one [against Manchester City] and it is important we keep the momentum going.
"We want to win all our home games and we know we have to work hard and pick our form up.
"Hopefully that will be the case as we do feel as if we are on an upward curve now."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
