Edwin van der Sar visibly surprised by Jordan Pickford antics in Everton loss vs Man United
Edwin van der Sar was clearly surprised by Jordan Pickford’s reaction to helping keep out Matheus Cunha’s shot in Everton’s clash against Manchester United.
James Tarkowski blocked Cunha’s effort off the line, after Pickford took the initial sting out of the effort, during the first half of a largely low-quality contest at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The Everton number one fist-pumped after Tarkowski scooped the ball away, despite play still being alive.
It proved to be the most eventful moment of the opening 45 minutes, although the second half did pick up slightly as United went on to win the match 1-0 through a Benjamin Sesko strike.
Jamie Carragher shares why he loves Jordan Pickford
Pickford is well known for his over-the-top antics, which is why he is so loved by Everton and England fans alike.
But those who do not know him so well are understandably a little taken aback by his celebratory nature when making saves – or indeed when seeing teammates make vital stops.
Van de Sar looked a little surprised on Sky’s Monday Night Football when reviewing the Cunha chance at half-time, saying: “The ball is still in play. If [Bryan] Mbuemo was closer he could have got there.”
The former Manchester United number one spotted that Pickford celebrated three separate times and “got the crowd going” in the process.
Fellow studio pundit Jamie Carragher added: “This is why we love Pickford.”
How did Pickford perform in Everton’s draw with Manchester United?
Unfortunately for Pickford, he was unable to keep out substitute Sesko’s strike 71 minutes into the contest on Merseyside.
Pickford made a couple of saves, including that first-half stop that prevented Cunha of netting in the first half.
| Everton | Stat | Man United |
| 48% | Possession | 52% |
| 10 | Shots | 11 |
| 0.62 | xG | 1.30 |
| 76% | Pass accuracy | 80% |
| 2 | Yellow cards | 3 |
The Everton stopper was his usual self between the sticks, but ultimately there were no real standout performers for the Toffees on the night.
Idrissa Gueye’s poor play led to United’s goal and that ultimately meant it was another disappointing night at Hill Dickinson.
Everton’s European hopes are fast fading as a result of this poor home form, but all hope is not lost just yet with next week’s trip to Newcastle United now taking on added importance.
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