Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in Premier League-best display v Chelsea
Everton earned a massive three points on Sunday as they fought ferociously to beat third-placed Chelsea 1-0 at a rowdy Goodison Park.
Richarlison’s second-half goal sent the blue half of Merseyside wild and no matter what the away side tried, they could not find a way past Jordan Pickford in the Toffees’ goal.
It was the England international who was arguably the man of the match with a number of fine saves throughout the 90 minutes to keep his side’s hopes of surviving relegation alive and kicking.
The 28-year-old was actually so good that he produced a performance better than any other goalkeeper has managed all season in the Premier League, according to Sky Sports statistician Matt Cheetham via his personal Twitter account.
“Pickford’s performance v Chelsea the best by any goalkeeper in a PL game this season, per Statsbomb’s post-shot xG,” Cheetham said.
Player of the season
The list of players in the running for Everton’s player of the season competition isn’t going to be the longest list of nominees you’ve ever seen but it shouldn’t matter.
Only Anthony Gordon and Richarlison can really hold a torch to Pickford this season with the duo scoring some crucial goals across the season.
But the amount of times the Toffees have had to be saved by the England number one is ridiculous and it should be a fairly unanimous decision when the end of season awards roll around.
There had been some question marks earlier in the year that Aaron Ramsdale should usurp the 28-year-old in Gareth Southgate’s pecking order but those campaigners have quietened down and then some now they’ve seen just how influential he is.
Frank Lampard may have to buy Pickford more than a pint come the end of the season if they manage to stay up because, without his incredible shot-stopping abilities, Everton would already be relegated.
In other Everton news, it was a superb 9/10 for the man of the match in yesterday’s win according to our player ratings.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.