Lennon Sets Out His Aims For Everton

Aaron Lennon hopes his match-winning cameo against Watford proves the catalyst for an extended run in Everton’s team - and wants to help the Blues "get up the table where we belong".

Winger Lennon started David Unsworth’s first three matches in charge of the Toffees, having previously been limited to three substitute appearances this term.

He was back on the bench for the visit of Watford, which brought down the curtain on Everton’s fixtures before the international break.

But summoned by Unsworth, with the scores locked at 2-2 and 85 minutes on the clock, and told by his boss to “win us the game”, Lennon responded in compelling style.

The 30-year-old’s exquisite touch dumbfounded Watford defender Jose Holebas, forcing the Greek to wipe out his opponent in the penalty box.

Leighton Baines dispatched the resultant penalty to snap Everton's sequence of four Premier League matches without victory.

The goal now for Lennon, who moved to Goodison Park on an initial loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur in February 2015, is to establish himself as a key component of the Toffees team.

“My aim now is to play as much as possible,” Lennon told evertonfc.com. “I will keep working hard and, hopefully, the gaffer will pick me. I am ready to play.

“I have enjoyed every moment here. I am only 30, so certainly have no intention of hanging up my boots yet!

“I feel physically good. I have loved every moment of being here and, hopefully, it will continue. I want to play for a long time”

The victory over Watford saw Everton jump four places in the table to 15th. They return to action on Saturday at Crystal Palace, where another three-point haul could potentially see the Blues climb a further three spots.

Lennon anticipates the success against Watford – in particular, the dramatic come-from-behind manner in which it was achieved – spurring on his team for the barrage of fixtures awaiting them in the coming weeks.

In the fortnight following the trip to Palace, Everton will jam in top-flight encounters with Southampton, West Ham United and Huddersfield Town, as well as completing their Europa League group campaign with games against Atalanta and Apollon Limassol.

All that before the traditionally hectic festive calendar, which has Everton playing seven Premier League matches inside a frantic 22-day period.

Nevertheless, former Leeds United player Lennon insists he is part of a squad capable of thriving when the games start coming thick and fast.

“It is exciting,” continued Lennon. “We have some great players here. We brought in some good players in the summer. I have loved every minute of it and, hopefully, I can continue to play for Everton.

“That winning feeling does so much for the team. We had lost a few games on the bounce and the dressing room was a bit flat and down.

"Straight after the Watford game, the dressing room was a different place. It will give the lads a lot of confidence and, hopefully, we can kick on and get up the table where we belong.”