Everton took an unlikely point against Arsenal on Saturday with a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The pressure remains on manager Sean Dyche, but this was a great result for the Toffees down in north London and a result the Everton manager can be pleased about.
Mikel Arteta was critical about the way Everton played, but the most important statistic in any game of football is the goals scored by each team.
Ultimately, Arsenal did not take their chances in the game – and one big reason for that was because Jordan Pickford was on top form at the Emirates.
He made a string of great saves in the game, and Pickford even had some Arsenal fans praising him during the contest.
Gary Lineker hailed Pickford as ‘excellent’ after the draw – and Alan Shearer has also been complimentary about the Everton stopper today.
Alan Shearer praises Jordan Pickford after superb Arsenal showing
Jordan Pickford of Everton celebrates with teammates as he acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC a...
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Pickford made five saves against the Gunners, and was a major reason for the Toffees coming away from the Emirates with a point.
It was just the latest great performance from Pickford, whose contributions this season have been plentiful – without his consistency, Everton would likely be in the bottom three.
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While Everton are struggling to score goals, it is paramount that Pickford stays in this kind of form – any dip from him right now and Dyche’s side will be in a world of trouble.
Pickford came in for praise on the latest Rest Is Football podcast with Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Lineker reiterated his praise for Pickford describing him today as ‘very excellent’, and then Shearer also praised the 30-year-old. The Premier League legend said: “Pickford had a good game didn’t he? Yeah he is (having a really good season). One or two really good saves.”
Micah Richards added: “Really good point for Everton. To get a draw there, it’s a massive result.”
Pickford is giving Everton a fighting chance
It was always going to be a case of Everton defending regularly against Arsenal. They aren’t the first to do it and won’t be the last.
There may not have been much attacking intent from the visitors, but had there been so it might have left the Toffees exposed.
The top five Everton players this season (according to WhoScored)
1. Dwight McNeil – 7.17
2. Iliman Ndiaye – 7.12
3. James Tarkowski – 6.95
4. Ashley Young – 6.91
5. Jordan Pickford – 6.73
via WhoScored
Ultimately, it’s a great point for Everton and one that could be really important come the end of the season – and Pickford certainly played his part in it.
It’s been another top season from the England number one, and the £30 million signing is a big reason the club aren’t currently in the relegation zone.
If Everton can become more potent in the final third – and for that to happen, there may well need to be a change of manager – then Pickford’s contributions would count for so much more
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