Everton stalwart Leighton Baines was the go-to guy for criticism for many fans following the draw with Bournemouth last weekend.
Heading to Dean Court for the game, despite going down to ten men with Richarlison shown a straight red card for a headbutt, Everton took a 2-0 advantage with efforts coming from Theo Walcott and Michael Keane, but a penalty for Bournemouth set up a nervy ending and by the full-time whistle they had restored parity to take a point from the match.
Baines was the man who conceded the penalty to lift their spirits and aid the comeback and that was keenly noted by these fans who took to social media to react to the game.
Phil it’s ridiculous what Baines did for that penalty mate. Proper school boy stuff
— Paul Brown (@PaulBrownEFC) August 25, 2018
Gonna get rolled for saying it, but as much as I and others love Leighton Baines, his shocking defensive display cost us 2 points today. The penalty challenge and not closing out for the cross on the equalizer. It's time to see what Digne can do. #EFC
— Rob Vera (@TheRobVera) August 25, 2018
Crowd should NEVER get on Baines’ back. He works so hard. The issue is his legs now, and nothing else for me. It’s on the manager to make the call now.
— Rob Vera (@TheRobVera) August 25, 2018
Why is Baines still playing?
And why weren’t Zouma brought on when we went 2-0 up?
— Geoff Dixon (@GeoffEfc1) August 25, 2018
Baines needs dropping
Davies ineffective as well unfortunately— Jack◢ ◤ (@JackEFC95) August 25, 2018
I know mate, really disappointing. Lots of positives to take though. I didn’t think SC did well last match either tbh – maybe why he wasn’t captain tonight?
— Ben Edwards (@BenJoeEdwards) August 25, 2018
Love Baines but he did a Jags today, losing his legs and making silly mistakes. Gifting Bournemouth a pen
— Leigh Parry (@Leigh_R_Parry) August 25, 2018
Baines will rightly carry the can for many, but it’s also fair to say these things happen in the game so he shouldn’t be written off and it appears few have gone that far in their reactions – but with two goals conceded in that manner, a number of are hopeful that we can soon see our summer signings come into play so they settle quicker.