Jordan Pickford made headlines after Everton’s win over Newcastle, and exposed the huge gulf between himself and Nick Pope.
Everton continued their fine form away from home, beating the Magpies 3-2 at St. James’ Park in a thrilling contest.
Everton were twice pegged back in the game, but second-half substitute Thierno Barry struck on 83 minutes to put his side back in front.
Who was your Man of the Match from that incredible game? 🤩
Not sure how you're going to only pick one…
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Then injury-time, there was a hearts-in-mouth moment for Everton fans, as Sandro Tonali struck a sweet volley from the edge of the box.
It looks destined to hit the back of the net, but somehow Pickford kept it out in what was surely the save of the season so far.
It capped off another great performance from Jordan Pickford, but his closest rival Pope did not fare nearly as well.
Jordan Pickford showed the gulf between himself and Nick Pope
Jordan Pickford pumps a first.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Pickford’s save at the end has drawn a lot of attention and rightly so.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
But he also made three more saves in the game, with two coming from inside the area.
His contributions were plentiful, and he undoubtedly helped his side get two more points than perhaps they should have got. There was nothing he could do about Newcastle’s two goals, with the first taking a horrible deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite.
By contrast, Pope struggled in goal for Newcastle.
He should have dealt with Dwight McNeil’s shot from outside the box, but couldn’t hold it and allowed Beto to score an easy tap in.
If you search Pope’s name on social media, it is clear that his form this season has been really poor, which is worrying from an England point of view.
David Seaman’s concerns about England goalkeeper situation are valid
David Seaman recently expressed his concerns about the drop-off from Pickford in terms of the England goalkeepers. And those concerns do look quite valid at the moment.
He said: “Is there anyone who can take Pickford’s position as England number one?
“Not at the moment. No. My only worry is that the other guys have not got much experience.
“And touch wood, if Jordan gets injured, we’re now putting a goalkeeper into the World Cup that’s hardly got any caps. That’s my only worry.”
Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope in England training.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Pope is the ‘keeper with the most caps after Pickford (with 10), and is therefore probably his main challenger for the number one jersey.
Except, there is clearly no strong challenge from him at the moment, as Saturday’s game between Everton and Newcastle emphasised.
Pickford essentially exposed a worry for Thomas Tuchel in that, the current number two goalkeeper is several levels below him. And this is obviously important in case, for whatever reason, Pickford cannot play this summer at the World Cup.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox