Landon Donovan makes his debut with Everton
Published
1/12/2010 5:35:34 AM
by
Shane Barrow
from
soccermogul
It was probably not what Landon Donovan had dreamed as his debut in the English Premier League. Freezing cold and snowing, but the latest American to suit up in the EPL got the start against powerful Arsenal in front of 60,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium. Almost the entire EPL schedule had been cancelled on the day due to the poor conditions.
Landon got the start on the right midfield and definitely made a point to try and be dangerous from the start as he made strong runs and looked to link up with other attacking Everton players such as Tim Cahill and Louis Saha. A Donovan corner led to the opening goal for Everton and the match went 1-1 to the break.
The 2nd half was entertaining as well as the snowfall picked up. Landon Donovan was subbed off at the 68 minute mark to a rousing ovation from the visiting Everton fans, but the drama was to come after. Steven Pienaar put Everton ahead in the 81st and Everton looked like they were going to grab their first win at Arsenal in 13 tries, but it was not to be as Tomas Rosicky's 92nd minute shot deflected into the Everton net for the 2-2 draw.
Everton coach Moyes reserved special praised for his debutant. "I thought Donovan did very well," he stated. "He cramped up, so we had to take him off and the cold probably didn't help him. Landon was a threat to Arsenal all day and he did a great job out on the right. Landon offers us plenty of options and that is why we are delighted to have him."
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