Paul Merson delighted by Jordan Pickford performances, predicts Everton vs Arsenal
Paul Merson has heaped praise on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his brilliant performances in the run-in and says they’ve papered over the cracks of the club.
The Toffees secured their Premier League status for next season with a massive three points against Crystal Palace in midweek, coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Ahead of the teams final game of the season against Arsenal at the weekend, Merson told SportsKeeda Everton would have ‘already been relegated’ without Pickford but still expects Arsenal to win the game ‘comfortably’, predicting a 3-0 scoreline for the Gunners.
“Everton have done reasonably well in my opinion, but Jordan Pickford’s performances have papered over their cracks,” he said.
“He won them three points against Chelsea and Leicester City with a string of world-class saves, so I wouldn’t be going too far if I said that they’d have already been relegated without his crucial interventions.
“At the moment, he’s England’s #1 goalkeeper and when push comes to shove, he usually steps up and performs. Aaron Ramsdale has been shaky in recent weeks, but you have to give credit when it’s due as Pickford has really come big for Everton in the run-in.
“The pressure is off for Arsenal, they’ll win this one comfortably. Will that be enough for a top-four spot? Only time will tell.”
World-class
Pickford has been absolutely immense for the club since the last international break, making the sorts of saves you’d associate with an international goalkeeper.
He’s come up trumps in big moments for the club and led from the back impressively, in a period where the club needed all their senior stars to really step up.
With safety now ensured, they can begin looking ahead to the new season and that will likely include Pickford since they have no need to sell one of their top stars now.
As for Sunday’s game, the result is no longer important. With Premier League status ensured, Lampard is likely to try and give players a chance to earn their spot in the squad for next season and with Arsenal desperate to win it will be tough.
But its great to see the main man get his props after the criticism he often comes under and Everton owe him a great deal for his performances in this final stretch.
In other Everton news, TalkSPORT pundit expects Everton ace to leave in summer and flourish at parent club
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