OPINION
Leighton Baines had a bit of a shocker in the first half of Everton’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The veteran left back was only playing because usual starter Lucas Digne was absent, and on the first 45 minutes’ evidence the Frenchman won’t be worrying about his starting spot. It was Baines, of course, who gave away the spot kick for Wolves’ opener. Matt Doherty, as he does, utilised pure persistence to get past Baines, barrel into the box, and ultimately pick up the penalty. It was inexcusable from Baines, really, and a player of his experience ought to have known better. To make a challenge like that on Doherty was just stupid. He was never going to get the ball and so it was pointless in all honesty. The former England international went on to pick up an injury and be substituted, ending his afternoon early. It’s a shame, because Baines has been a tremendous servant to the Toffees, but his time on Merseyside looks like it’s coming to an end on Saturday’s evidence.
This is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below.
And most people were hoping that Baines would be passed fit today only to go and do that just shows the kid is finished and is a far shadow of his old self …#InBillWeRust
— Pinkhammer (@Pj4d) February 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/SeanArundel/status/1091716265998196736
https://twitter.com/yourmangilly/status/1091715738937802752
Baines is slow
— Lewis (@LewisBicicleta) February 2, 2019
Absolutely inexcusable that from Baines. If your most seasoned player is doing that… #EFC
— Rob Vera (@TheRobVera) February 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/EFC_95/status/1091715370292072455
Digne's stupid red card could need up costing us European football. Baines will be a huge liability over the next three matches.
— Chief (@AUChief) February 2, 2019
Shocking defending from baines that.
— Barry Stockman (@Bazblue80) February 2, 2019