Jordan Pickford's stunning stop to deny Sandro Tonali left his Everton team-mate and Newcastle United manager purring
Eddie Howe and Jarrad Branthwaite agreed that Jordan Pickford's incredible save from Sandro Tornali was one of the best they'd seen live. The Everton goalkeeper somehow managed to turn the Newcastle United midfielder's superbly struck volley on to the bar and away to safety.
The England No.1 has made a catalogue of stunning stops for club and country throughout his career. But there is a strong argument to suggest this was his best yet.
It was certainly an important one as it sealed Everton's fourth away win in their last six unbeaten Premier League games, which in turn opened up a four-point lead on their opponents in the race for European football.
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And afterwards Pickford's Everton team-mate Branthwaite, who opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, admitted he was blown away by it.
The centre-back said: "The best save I've ever seen, I don't know how he's pulled it off.
"We know how much of a top goalkeeper he is. When he does things like that it's magic, he's kept us in the game at the end of the day."
Magpies manager Howe, who was a boyhood Evertonian, was no doubt left ruing Pickford's brilliance. But he was magnanimous as he admitted just what an incredible save it was.
He said: "I've got to say that’s one of the best saves I’ve seen live. I thought it was outstanding.
"I think when you put it in context of the timing of the game and what it meant, obviously a frustrating one for us."
Blues boss David Moyes was also impressed. He said: "I was laughing. I was going to run on the pitch and celebrate a save again.
"Sandro Tonali couldn't have hit that any better, it was technically brilliant but the save was out of this world.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United reacts after having a shot saved by Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali reacts after his superb volley was somehow kept out by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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"Jordan played well today, helped us out a lot and his save was top notch."
The win moved Everton up to eighth. They will now look to end a seven-game winless run at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday night when they host relegation-threatened Burnley.
And Branthwaite said: "Our away form has been top class all season and the home form is something that we need to get better at. We need to pick up more points at home and we are working on that as a team.
"The last showing at home against Manchester United (when they undeservedly lost 1-0) was a step in the right direction so hopefully we can build on that.
"It is always difficult when you are so used to something to move away and to come to something new but it is not an excuse. We've been there all season and the home form needs to change."
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