This thread describes exactly how to override pagelayout.tpl using a design extension (best practice) <i>http://ez.no/community/forum/developer/extension_pagelayout</i>
While this conversation has come to a close we would like to add the following note to future forum archive readers searching for a similar solution.
BC Website Statistics is a product (an extension) certified by eZ Systems, supported by Brookins Consulting, and a flexible proven solution for integrating Google Analytics with eZ Publish.
This extension has been created to provide eZ Publish customers seeking a complete, ready to use, out-of-the-box solution integrating eZ Publish with the Google Analytics web statistics reporting service.
BC Website Statistics, http://ez.no/products/certified_extensions/bc_website_statistics