Everton returned to action on Saturday with a seriously impressive draw on the road against Arsenal.
Sean Dyche’s side have seen a lot going on away from the pitch with big takeover developments over recent days.
However, this was Everton’s first game in over a week after Storm Darragh postponed the Merseyside Derby last weekend.
The Toffees came into the game slumped down in 15th position but had sealed an emphatic 4-0 victory against Wolves last time out.
There was some frustrating news to emerge ahead of kick-off with Dwight McNeil missing the game through injury.
But there was one Everton player who put on a show for the crowd at the Emirates Stadium which even the home fans appreciated.
Jordan Pickford of Everton is congratulated by Ashley Young after making a save during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC a...
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
How Everton’s Jordan Pickford stunned Arsenal fans
The Everton shot-stopper has been waiting eagerly to take back to the pitch with Pickford raring to go against Liverpool last weekend.
After being forced to wait patiently for the game against Arsenal to come around, he certainly showed his quality with a stunning save inside the first half.
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Everton were able to hold the Gunners to a goalless first half and that was largely down to the England number one.
“Even the Arsenal fans in front of me could appreciate the quality of that save from Pickford,” said Sky Sports reporter Ben Grounds.
Martin Odegaard was handed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, but Pickford was able to save from close range despite the effort taking a heavy deflection.
Pickford is receiving interest from across Europe and to leave the home fans stunned by his display shows just how important he’s become to Everton.
Pickford pulled off an even better save from Bukayo Saka
The irony of the save from Pickford in the first half wowing the home fans was that he pulled off an even better one in the second 45.
Another Sky reporter, Nick Wright, hailed Pickford for his stunning save from a Bukayo Saka volley inside the box.
“Pickford’s best save yet. Saka’s volleyed effort was heading for the bottom corner but the goalkeeper’s reaction was razor sharp,” he said.
It really was a sensational display from Pickford who proved the £30m price tag paid back in 2017 was worth every penny.
90 minutes played
5 saves
1.89 goals prevented
2 punches
1 high claim
5 clearances
Dyche may have questioned Pickford earlier in the season, but he was Everton’s shining light once again on Saturday.
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