English Premiership
Jo debut double fires Everton
2009-02-07 19:33
Everton hero on debut (Gallo Images)
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Liverpool - Jo hit a debut double to inspire Everton to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Bolton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Brazilian striker scored a sublime effort on 49 minutes before adding a penalty in stoppage time to complete a romp started by Mikel Arteta's first half spot-kick.
It was no more than Everton deserved after totally outplaying Gary Megson's side to cement sixth place in the Premier League.
Toffees manager David Moyes rewarded teenager Dan Gosling for his dramatic winning goal in the midweek FA Cup replay win over Liverpool with a place in the starting line-up for just the second time.
Moyes also handed a first appearance to Jo following his arrival on-loan from Manchester City, while Joleon Lescott made his 350th league appearance as Everton looked to extend their impressive run of just one defeat in the last 11 outings in all competitions.
Bolton also arrived at Goodison high on confidence in the wake of their thrilling home victory over Tottenham last weekend.
Such a feeling disappeared inside the opening two minutes as Moyes's men tore into the visitors and never stopped.
The home side could and should have taken the lead in the third minute when the impressive Leighton Baines set up Tim Cahill with an inch-perfect cross but the Australian international missed the target from just two yards out in what was one of the misses of the season.
The chances continued to come and go as Everton totally dominated and Bolton somehow kept the scores level.
Matt Taylor cleared under pressure from Gosling before the teenager crossed for Jo moments later only to see the Brazilian scoop his shot over the crossbar.
Another chance fell to Jo in the 23rd minute when Cahill's clever header sent him racing clear, but with just Jussi Jaaskelainen to beat he dragged his shot off target.
Everton's frustration continued when Lescott shot wide before Arteta demanded a smart save from Jaaskelainen on 35 minutes.
Bolton's resistance was finally broken on 39 minutes when Andy O'Brien's clumsy trip on Jo left referee Peter Walton with no choice but to point to the spot. Arteta made no mistake to hand his side's a more than deserved lead.
Bolton's afternoon should have got worse even before half time but Phil Jagielka headed Arteta's corner onto the crossbar before Gary Cahill produced an unbelievable block to deflect Leon Osman's shot wide and prevent what appeared to be a certain goal.
There was nothing Cahill could do to prevent Jo from doubling Everton's lead in the 49th minute, however.
He produced a sublime piece of skill to gather Phil Neville's lofted cross and turn Cahill before planting a first time volley past Jaaskelainen and make the perfect start to his Everton career.
Bolton offered little in terms of a fightback, with a tame effort from Matt Taylor the only threat to Tim Howard's goal as Everton's total dominance was confirmed by Jo at the death after Mark Davies had handled Gosling's cross.