Jordan Pickford stuns pundit with more repeated Everton heroics in Leicester win
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford gave another match-winning performance in the second half against Leicester that had ex-Wales player David Phillips stunned.
Mid-way through the period, with his side protecting a 2-1 lead, the England number one launched himself at full stretch to tip a curling Nampalys Mendy effort round the post.
Just minutes later he followed that up with great bravery again to deny Harvey Barnes low down in the area, before producing a third excellent stop from the same player soon after, and Phillips was amazed by what he was watching.
Speaking on the world feed match coverage (8 May, 3.25pm) Phillips said of the first save: “Such an important save for Everton. Jordan Pickford out to his left hand side. Mendy, never scored in the Premiership. That was a great strike from the Senegalese, but what another brilliant save from Pickford, especially after last week where he was instrumental.”
Minutes later he said after the next stop (3.29pm): “Well if Everton stay in the Premier League they’re going to have to be thanking Jordan Pickford.
“I’m sure he sees that really late. Barnes is thinking that ball is in the back of the net, but once again Pickford, unbelievable save. Great reactions.”
By the time the third save was made he said (3.32pm): “It’s the Jordan Pickford show… another great save.”
As the Toffees clung on heading towards the final whistle Phillips summed up (3.44pm): “If they do [hang on] the man in the orange shirt will be taking the plaudits. He’s been sensational today.”
Monumental
Quite simply, without Pickford the past six points are not on the board and the club are still in the relegation zone.
They possibly would have been entirely empty handed if he hadn’t followed up stops against Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger in defeating the European champions, with the series of saves at the King Power.
The result, coupled with Leeds losing at Arsenal and Burnley’s defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday (7 May) has lifted Frank Lampard’s side out of the relegation zone.
The Toffees are now above both relegation rivals by a point and still have a game in hand.
They even have two games in hand on Southampton five points above them, and with the goalkeeper in such supreme form who knows where they could end up.
Despite confusion in the defence and yet more injury issues to Yerry Mina, and then Vitalii Mykolenko, Pickford was a rock at the back and held out throughout the second half for another massive win in the relegation battle.
His value will be soaring with these displays, but if they keep the team in the top flight there’s no reason to see him going anywhere.
In other Everton news, the player ratings from the chaotic win against the Foxes are in.
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