Donovan appreciation society growing at Everton

For those who didn’t watch Landon Donovan’s afternoon against Manchester City on Saturday, let me save you some time. He didn’t score, but did pretty much everything except find goal.

The fans around Goodison certainly appreciate the solid-shift work he’s putting in.

Donovan was alive and a live-wire Saturday, stationed along the right once again, pulling his weight and then some in the Toffees’ 2-0 win over Manchester City at Goodison Park.

Donovan makes intelligent runs and good use of his pace, and he’s hustling back consistently – at one point chasing down Carlos Tevez from behind to snuff out danger. You just knows the footy fans of England appreciate that kind of effort. He was more effective before the break, surely a product of fitness that’s still not where it needs to be. (Donovan is always one of the fittest players around; he’s still getting back to match shape following a 5-week, post-MLS layoff.)

Here’s what The Observer had to say about one of the United States’ top exports:

“Everton tried to hit back through Landon Donovan, who was only inches away from chipping Shay Given after a one-two with Louis Saha. The American showed a good understanding with the Frenchman from the start, notionally playing on the right but in practice roaming all across the front line, and demonstrated not only a willingness to take corners and restarts but also to find Fellaini's head with most of them.”

And this from the Daily Telegraph:

"The Landon Donovan appreciation society were gathering in number, too, chorusing “USA” with gusto when the American broke away from Vincent Kompany, only to direct his chip wide.”

So, two games and it’s all good for the Californian, who can only be brimming with confidence. Talk of a permanent move to Everton following the 2010 MLS season (or even in the summer transfer window) will begin in 3, 2, 1 …

Everton, once in relegation danger, has earned four big points in the last two weeks and now sits comfortably clear of the drop zone. Challenging for spots in Europe is probably a bridge too far but, hey, you can’t have it all … especially after such a beleaguered start to the campaign at Goodison Park.

Next up: Consecutive home dates against Birmingham (FA Cup) and Sunderland.