Everton boss David Moyes hails Leighton Baines after left-back's brace against West Brom

Everton boss David Moyes heaped praise on Leighton Baines after the England star’s superb double earned the Toffees a 2-1 win against West Brom.

The left-back broke the deadlock when he latched on to a pass from fellow Three Lions man Leon Osman and thumped the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

And he doubled his, and Everton’s, tally from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time before Shane Long pulled one back for the visitors in the second half.

Baines's performance drew compliments from his manager, who believes the former Wigan man is as good as any left-back in the Premier League.

Moyes said: "I thought he had a great game and we're very lucky to have him here. He always looks to improve himself every day. He's risen to the challenge of being England's left-back. He's turning out to be as good a left-back as there is."

There was concern, though, for West Brom midfielder George Thorne who had to be stretchered off after falling awkwardly.

A host of England stars were in action at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night as Arsenal came back from two goals down to secure a hard-earned point against Liverpool.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez put the Reds ahead before Jordan Henderson sent the travelling Liverpool fans into raptures with a superb second-half solo effort.

However Arsenal, fuelled by the determination and drive of England midfielder Jack Wilshere, pulled one back when Olivier Giroud diverted Wilshere’s cross beyond Pepe Reina, and drew level shortly afterwards when Theo Walcott blasted the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

After the game Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed England full-back Kieran Gibbs, who came off injured, will miss three weeks of action with a thigh strain, while Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers lauded Henderson after he grabbed his second goal in successive league games.

Rodgers said: “[Henderson] scored a magnificent goal tonight. He’ll be a terrific player for Liverpool – good energy, passes the ball well, he’s learning the game tactically all the time. These last few months he’s been brilliant.”

Wenger also tipped Walcott to reproduce his goalscoring form on the international stage.

He said: “He’s a man now and he takes responsibility when he plays as a forward. He can do the same for England.”

Wayne Rooney was at the double as Manchester United recorded a 2-1 win against Southampton to move seven points clear of local rivals City at the top of the league, while Frank Lampard crept to within six goals of Bobby Tambling's record of 202 goals for Chelsea as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Reading.

And Three Lions frontman Andy Carroll, who had been out since November, made his long-awaited return following a knee problem but could not prevent West Ham from losing 3-1 at Fulham.

He came on after 76 minutes at Craven Cottage and had a couple of half-chances before Fulham scored their third to wrap up victory.