Landon Donovan Scores First Goal for Everton
Landon Donovan has played in four games for Everton FC in the Premiership and so far has been impressive with a goal and an assist. Some criticized his move to England saying the league was not suited for his style, but he has quickly proven his critics wrong. Where some American players who start playing in the EPL are pointed out for not working both sides of the ball, there has been no complaints with Donovan’s work rate as a Toffee.
On Wednesday afternoon’s game against Sunderland, Donovan scored an impressive first goal for the home crowd at Goodison Park. Donovan made a diagonal run from the right side into the box, collecting a Tim Cahill header by chesting the ball down to his feet while on the run and putting away the shot, low and left of Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon. The goal came in the 2nd half and was the 2nd goal of the 2-0 win for Everton, who have now gone 8 games without being defeated. The team is now 2 wins and 1 draw in the 3 games Donovan has started for Everton. Tim Howard made some outstanding stops for his side to keep the clean sheet for the Toffees.
Donovan nearly scored a second as he rounded Gordon, beating him to the left. But his shot was turned away by a defender on the goal line.
“I thought his first two games were excellent, I mean when you have to come here and you have to play Arsenal and Manchester City, I thought he did really well in those games,” said manager David Moyes.
“He got his goal tonight, he’s got a great goalscoring record over in America and he was a bit unfortunate not to get a second one tonight when he rounded the goalkeeper and was cleared off the line. If he can add us a goal or two that will be great.”
If you didn’t get to see it, here are highlights of both goals for Everton. Tim Cahill’s in the 6th and Donovan’s in the 19th.
Comments are closed.
Though never a big Landon fan, I must admit this move has been excellent for him. He’ll learn volumes…perhaps even humility. Hope he stays at Goodison. Good for #USMNT.
Actually, Tim Howard was quoted as saying in one article that Donovan has fit into the club house very well because of his humility and willingness to learn. I think we see a different side, the media side, the fan side, than players see him. I’ve read that previously as well, that other players say he’s very humble. A bit outspoken at times, but overall humble.
This is great news for the US National team. Landon can certainly use as many competitive games as possible on a big stage. Couple this with the real hope that Davies could be back and Dempsey should be fit, should give the US a stronger chance to advance out of their group.