Everton star leaves pundit in AWE with ‘EXCELLENT’ display in 2-0 win v Chelsea
Everton have gone from boasting one of the worst home records in their history, to having won back-to-back matches against top opposition, keeping clean sheets in the process.
The turnaround has been stark, but one which Sean Dyche attested was just around the corner.
Well, it has arrived at the perfect moment, with the Toffees galvanising to establish a four-point gap between themselves and Luton Town.
Although many might rush to laud Vitaliy Mykolenko for his starring display at the back, alongside the towering Jarrad Branthwaite, there was one many who earned particular praise from a pundit.
With the visitors enjoying the bulk of the possession and raining down shots on Jordan Pickford’s goal, the England international remained steadfast and firm amid huge pressure.
Well, co-commentator Courtney Sweetman-Kirk would tell the nation her thoughts, posing her adulation as a question in the 63rd minute: ‘How good has Pickford been today? His distribution has been excellent.’
How important is Jordan Pickford for Everton?
Today’s display only showcased the huge progression in quality, experience and maturity enjoyed by the 29-year-old.
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Having kept his bitter rivals Newcastle United silent on Thursday, there was a quiet expectation that Chelsea might suffer a similar fate at a Goodison Park that is slowly moving back towards full voice.
Well, the fans always seem to have a big impact on Pickford, who shares a great connection with Evertonians. The match today was no different.
Keeping his fifth Premier League clean sheet of the season, and third in a row, the former Sunderland man was actually handed the joint-best rating of any player on the entire pitch 7.5.
Such a figure was bolstered by the four saves he was forced to make, yet it was his distribution, as Sweetman-Kirk noted, that was truly outstanding.
His 54% pass accuracy perhaps belies its importance, with the goalkeeper using his wicked left foot to fire missile after missile up for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and later Beto. Such immense precision meant they were always a threat, whilst he even won 100% of the duels he competed in too.
A true fan favourite, and an asset that only continues to grow, there is every chance Pickford could end his career as an Everton legend should he maintain his current trajectory.
