US striker Jozy Altidore was outstanding in his return to Hull City after a temporary leave of absence - taking a compassionate leave following the earthquake that hit Haiti, where he originated from prior to his family migrating to the US.
Altidore assisted on the Tigers' first goal and earned a penalty that led to their second goal in a 2-2 tie with Wolves, but he later went off for new signing, Egypt international Amr Zaki. The move baffled former English star Paul Merson, a pundit on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday show.
"I can't believe Phil Brown made the substitution but he knows better than me," said Merson. "Jozy Altidore was a threat, an absolute threat. He set up the first, then won the penalty, but he had a one-on-one and [Wolves keeper Marcus] Hahnemann made the save - but Wolves were relieved to see him go off because he was a big, big threat. Zaki came on and did alright but not as well as Altidore. I thought that substitution changed the game."
Ironically, Altidore's offensive assault came against another American in the Wolves goal, as Marcus Hahnemann had to deal with Jozy as he attempted to keep Wolves in the match.
With Altidore's strong performance coupled with Everton's Landon Donovan scoring his first EPL goal this week, it certainly appears that the American invasion in the English Premier League is picking up steam.
Americans in the English Premier League-
Bolton - Stuart Holden
Everton - Tim Howard, Landon Donovan
Fulham - Clint Dempsey
West Ham United - Jonathan Spector
Wolves - Marcus Hahemann
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