Roberto Martinez has suggested that former Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has been a major reason behind the club’s revival in form in the last month.
After flirting with relegation for much of the campaign, Everton have dropped only two points in the last five matches. This form may have come a bit late for European football next season, but it could see Everton back into the top 10 of the table before the end of the campaign. They continued their winning run after a 1-0 success over Burnley at Goodison Park. Belgian winger Kevin Mirallas scored the only goal of the game while Barnes was sent off for a second yellow card just before half-time.
The victory condemned Burnley to a place at the foot of the table, but it was more good news for Everton. After the 1-1 draw with Swansea in the last league match, it was important for Everton to return to winning ways. They have also reached the 40 point mark that will see them achieve a psychological safety barrier from the drop zone. However, it will be important for Martinez to carry on this form since the team will be expected to challenge for at least a trophy next campaign. Martinez says that the work rate of the 27-year-old is a huge factor.
“The work-rate Aaron Lennon has has been a massive influence, along with the pace that helps him get into certain positions.That has been infectious and is really helping the team. You seem him going into goalscoring positions and using his talent and creativity in the final third.He is clearly a massive part of the reason we have performed so well in the last four games and got those results.But every player has reacted in the same manner, the commitment of the whole team and the way we have been working on and off the ball shows a real team ethic,” said Martinez.