Jordan Pickford runs smiling with bottle in hand.
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Mon 25 August 2025 7:50, UK
Everton hero Jordan Pickford has already been in the headlines just two games into the Premier League season.
David Moyes’ number one faced a penalty against Leeds United, but was unable to stop Lucas Nmecha from scoring in the defeat at Elland Road.
However, Pickford faced the same fate against Brighton and made a superb save down to his left to deny Danny Welbeck, capping off a perfect 2-0 win on Sunday.
After the game, the 31-year-old addressed the calls for a ban after what he did at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford rolls the ball out.
Pickford has faced two penalties in two games (Credit: Imago)
Jordan Pickford defends Everton tactic on Match of the Day
Pickford demonstrated his ability from the spot for Everton again, which has become a real asset of his.
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Brighton were awarded a penalty after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball inside his own area.
Welbeck struck his effort towards the bottom corner, but Pickford did well to get down low to save his shot.
England’s number one is known for writing notes on the back of his water bottle to help him decide which way to dive.
Since the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, only Lukas Fabianski has saved more penalties
David James, Rob Green, and Ben Foster are the only Englishmen to have saved more spot kicks
Pickford has now saved eight penalties in the Premier League
Jamie O’Hara called for a ban on Pickford’s tactic, stating that goalkeepers should not be allowed to take notes on their water bottles.
However, speaking on Match of the Day on 24 August, the shot stopper defended the use of his bottle.
“I didn’t want to look at my bottle because I know people out there are gunning for it to be banned, but it’s my trick, so I’ll keep on doing it,” he said.
Pickford was then asked if there was some element of anticipation, given that his bottle supposedly said Welbeck hits half of his penalties either way.
“Yeah, but you haven’t seen the little bit above, have you, the little details above yet?”
Read more: ‘IFAB could change laws of football after what Jordan Pickford did vs Leeds, something must be done’
Jordan Pickford reminds everyone why he is England’s number one
Despite Pickford’s stellar record for club and country, there is often debate about whether he should be England’s number one.
However, this weekend was a stark reminder of why the 31-year-old should be Thomas Tuchel’s first choice.
Many believe that James Trafford is the former Sunderland man’s natural successor, but he endured a horror show for Man City.
While the 22-year-old has demonstrated his shot-stopping ability over the years, he has shown his nervousness with his feet.
As for Pickford, he has maintained a high level of performance while reminding everyone of his penalty-saving ability.
In time, Trafford will probably be England’s number one, but at the moment, Pickford is streaks ahead.
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