BBC Sport journalist waxes lyrical about Jordan Pickford in Everton defeat to Manchester United in Premier League
BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone was left stunned by “outstanding” Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday (8 April).
The Toffees shot-stopper made a string of brilliant saves to keep the Red Devils at bay in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Manchester United had 29 efforts on Pickford’s goal, 11 of which were on target, as Sean Dyche’s side succumbed to their first league defeat in five games.
Reporting for BBC Sport from Old Trafford, and as shared on their live blog (8 April, 14:07pm), Stone gushed over the heroics of the England international.
“Everton boss Sean Dyche has one man to thank for his team still being in this,” he wrote.
“Jordan Pickford has been outstanding this afternoon. Somehow, we have reached the last 20 minutes and Everton are still in with a chance of nicking something.
“it would be undeserved and a bit out of the blue. But that has happened plenty of times before.”
Brick wall
Pickford was back to his very best against Manchester United, and although it wasn’t enough to help claim a result, it bodes well for the relegation battle that lies ahead.
The 29-year-old will hope to replicate his heroics from last season’s relegation dogfight under Frank Lampard, in which the goalkeeper pulled off a series of heroic displays in between the sticks.
On the evidence of the 2-0 loss to Erik ten Hag’s side, Pickford could be back to his very best form.
Time after time, the England number one was the difference maker for the Toffees on Saturday, resembling a brick wall behind a crumbling back-four in front of him.
Pickford couldn’t have done much about either goal, with Scott McTominay’s opener hit with serious force from close-range, while Seamus Coleman was the culprit for Anthony Martial’s second goal.
Hopefully, the Everton shot-stopper can continue his fine form for next week’s crunch clash against Fulham at Goodison Park.