As both an Arsenal fan and a longtime Los Angeles Galaxy season ticket holder, I have been asked how I reconcile my support for two different teams. I always reply that supporting Arsenal and the Galaxy is like having two friends who are destined never to meet. This Saturday at the Emirates, that quip will be forever buried as my beloved Arsenal takes on Everton who will likely feature Landon Donovan, the captain of my beloved Galaxy.
For the Gunners, the Everton game is critical, but every game is critical when you are in the trophy hunt. Arsenal is four points behind Chelsea with a game in hand that was cancelled this past Wednesday because of snow in London. Arsenal plays Everton at home and Bolton away before they begin their most critical fortnight of games against Aston Villa, Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool. Before they begin trying to run through that gauntlet, they need to make sure they get full points from Everton and Bolton.
For Donovan, he only has 10 weeks in England, so every game will be scrutinized. English fans mostly know Donovan as the wanker who said lots of terrible things about David Beckham. To the press in England, Clint Dempsey is the best American player, and Donovan is a three time European washout who cannot possibly be all that good if he is still playing in the MLS.
If Donovan does get the nod on Saturday, he will be well positioned to exceed those meager expectations. Arsenal slaughtered Everton 6-1 opening day at Goodison Park, and few would be expecting great things from the Toffees in the reverse fixture. With only a handful of training sessions with his new team, most would not expect Donovan to be completely on song with his teammates.
And yet, the Arsenal defense has had its hiccups, and has seemed vulnerable to speed all season. The Gunners have only kept six clean sheets in their 19 EPL games – a fairly low amount for a team that is battling at the top of the table. Arsenal has a woeful lack of depth in the center back position. Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas have played in just about every game, including last week’s FA Cup game against West Ham, and they have let several players get behind them for goals, including Alessandro Diamanti last week at Upton Park. If Donovan can make some clever runs off the ball and press his opposition when he does have the ball, he could get some opportunities to score.
Unfortunately, American fans will have to follow this game through text updates and try to catch the highlights on youtube later Saturday afternoon. With Setanta USA going down the tubes, they have removed this game from their schedule, and it does not seem that it will be broadcast anywhere in the States. As an Arsenal and Galaxy fan, I will have to watch boring text scroll across my screen to see how Arsenal overcame a Donovan brace to win 3-2.
you can watch it on mysoccerplace.net or justin.tv
I’m expecting an announcement by FOX about this, and the rumors regarding Setanta US, sometime today. Pretty sure this game will be broadcast somewhere on TV, be it live or at least delayed.
Apparently there is still a risk of the games this weekend being cancelled but I think a few eyes will be on Donovan whenever it does take place.
It’s a bit unfair really if the rest of Everton isn’t up to the task one player won’t be able to do anything but if the team do well and he features prominently it’ll be great new for him.
Not a fan but I wish him the best of luck.
Dont worry the way its going , with 3 Prem games confirmed off and Arsenal currently unable to confirm it will go ahead this may get postponed…
This isnt really the Galaxy though. One player NEVER outweighs a club and this is Everton with a loanee you like. I used to love Paul Merson but when he played against us i’d wish him well but always cheered for the Gunners.
You can also listen to the game on Arsenal TV Online. It’ll cost about $6 for the month.
Go to my p2p.eu and watch it for nothing
Can’t believe you aren’t going to watch it online and instead make yourself read text messages. You have a significant amount of knowledge and I love reading your insight on your blog, but seriously learn how to go to Myp2p and ROJADIRECTA to watch games online.
Hey geniuses, do you think maybe he’s fully aware of all the live streams, but he decided not to use his public forum to endorse illegal Internet sports feeds.
I could care less if he plays this match or not.I like that he may make Bily work a lil harder, and this guy is part of our future.
I like that Donovan is at Finch Farm for the mere fact of keeping match fitness in this lull between the MSL and the World Cup.
Were not in bad form at the moment and if the Chelsea match and Villa result is anything to go with, I say will each take a point
I only read the headline and first paragraph of this article, and thought, who cares, no conflict, watching Arsenal vs. watching the Galaxy, no comparison, shouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence, and besides LD has no ties to the EPL whatsoever! Non story! He won’t even see the pitch!
For LD, his time in England will be a reminder of his German experience, except instead of weinersnitzel, he’ll be having shepherds pie, and once again a heavy a dose of ass splinters from riding the pine. Heck, he’ll probably have enough wood to lay a plank across the atlantic for his return trip. On the bright side, maybe the EPL will toughen him up to help rid him of his extreme case of gay face.
morgan . . .
let me know how you will like your crow served, that way when it comes to eating yoru meal, you won’t be the only one enjoying it.
LD is going to do just fine, over the next few months i expect to see many US based euro-snobs have to re-think their regard for his abilites.