The fifth round of the FA Cup is where the dream ended last year for the Toffees, to a lower league side to boot. So when EFC faced off against Blackpool today, I was a bit worried that we might be in for some déjà vu. All of my fears were put to bed however after just 46 seconds, as Roysten Drenthe finished off a beautiful build up with a curling left footer in the back of the net for a lightning quick lead for the boys. And just a few minutes later, Big Denis crushed in the second goal after a scramble in the box to make it 2-0. Even though there were still over 80 minutes left, you just knew the game was over. Everton could, should have had a few more (Fella should have had a hat trick), but they progress comfortably.
The game was bittersweet in one respect for the Toffees though, as it was the final game in Landon Donovan's loan spell. Even though he wasn't able to play due to the flu, he took a farewell lap after the match, and the crowd let him know how much they appreciate his efforts. A couple of stories this week in the London papers were already talking about a third return next year for Donovan, and possibly a permanent one. One can only dream, but St. Landon (as he is referred to by EFC fan/Grantland Podcaster Roger Bennett) isn't the only player on loan making an impact. Between Donovan, Drenthe, Big Denis, and Stephen Pienaar, the Toffees will have a lot of replacing to do if they all depart. For now though, joy and hope remain at Goodison Park in the form of a FA Cup final at Wembley. Into the hat for the quarters!
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