Leighton Baines: 'Everton deserved point'

Leighton Baines has claimed that Everton deserved a point at the bare minimum in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.

The Toffees looked poised for only their third defeat of the Premier League campaign through Oussama Assaidi's strike on 49 minutes.

However, the England international kept his nerve and slotted a 90th-minute penalty to salvage a point for Roberto Martinez's men.

"We deserved at least a point. It's always difficult when you come here - the wind was swirling and that made it tough but it's the same for everyone," the left-back told reporters.

Consequently, the Merseyside outfit sit fifth in the Premier League table, one point adrift of the top four, and Baines believes that his side remain in a "healthy position" following the hectic festive period.

He added: "You always want to take maximum points but we've got a couple of games coming up which we want to win so we end up coming away from this Christmas period in a healthy position."

Everton host Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers in a third-round FA Cup clash at Goodison Park on Saturday.