Leighton Baines has warned Everton team-mate Mikel Arteta he now expects to take his fair share of free-kicks following an inch-perfect effort in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Tottenham. Baines' 17th-minute goal at White Hart Lane on Saturday was one of the best dead-ball strikes of the season, the left-back managing to get his 20-yard shot up and down over a wall containing the 6ft 7in Peter Crouch. However, Baines would almost certainly have deferred to star midfielder Arteta had the Spaniard not been missing with a groin strain. Arteta looks set to be fit for Saturday's game against Stoke and Baines acknowledges his recall would mean a return to playing second fiddle in the free-kick stakes. But the 25-year-old is ready to make more of a case for himself to take them if they are better placed for a left-footer to hit. Asked about the current arrangement, Baines told evertontv: "I don't know if there is an understanding as much as he just takes them! "When we get over it, we discuss it, and Mikky ends up taking his fair share and I take a few as well. I wouldn't say either of us are massive specialists, so if one of us says we really fancy it then we leave it to each other. But hopefully I'll be able to take a few more."
Source: PA
Source: PA