Everton: Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend stunned by ‘ridiculous’ Jordan Pickford
Ally McCoist hailed Everton stopper Jordan Pickford for his “ridiculous” late saves against Sheffield United, but disagreed with talkSPORT co-host Andy Townsend that he was the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this weekend.
Pickford denied Oli McBurnie twice at the death to salvage a first point of the Premier League season for Everton in a 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane on Saturday [2 September].
The England international had earlier scored an unfortunate own goal, but he more than made amends with his late heroics in South Yorkshire.
Townsend selected Pickford as his Goalkeeper of the Week in the Premier League, describing his saves as “brilliant” on talkSPORT Breakfast [4 September, 26m 5s].
While McCoist agreed Pickford was to thank for the point, he instead selected Nottingham Forest keeper Matt Turner as his top pick.
Reliable
There was not a great deal Pickford could do about the own goal he conceded, as a shot he dived to save came back off the post, hit his back and crawled over the line.
But the 29-year-old showed why he is so highly regarded among the Goodison faithful, and England manager Gareth Southgate alike, with his six saves.
Pickford saved the best of the lot until right at the end of the game with his remarkable double stop, even earning himself a tap on the back – ironically given the manner of the own goal – from opposition players.
As per FBref, the Englishman has prevented 0.06 goals per 90 minutes this season on the basis of the expected goals against value.
While that figure may not seem massive, it means Everton’s defensive record would have been even worse if not for Pickford.
Everton have been let down in a number of areas in the early stages of this campaign, but they know they can rely on their number one.
In other Everton news, a Toffees player is to undergo a fitness test while away on international duty.