Jordan Pickford has long been the subject of intense scrutiny whenever he pulls on an England shirt, but the Everton goalkeeper is proving his worth yet again back at Goodison Park. Following a summer of mixed emotions on the international stage, the Three Lions’ number one returned to club action with a performance that silenced his doubters and drew significant praise from his manager.
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Crucial save changes momentum against Palace
The defining moment of the match arrived while the scoreline was still goalless, as Crystal Palace pushed for an opener. Adam Wharton delivered a precise ball over the top of the Everton defence, finding Eddie Nketiah in a dangerous position. The former Arsenal striker had time to pick his spot, but Pickford showed remarkable reflexes to leap to his left and tip the goalbound strike away with his fingertips.
Pickford’s intervention allowed the Toffees to settle into their rhythm, eventually leading to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall putting the home side ahead just before the interval. The second half saw Thierno Barry double the lead after a magnificent cross from Iliman Ndiaye, turning what could have been a nervy afternoon into a comfortable three points.Moyes impressed by Pickford’s physical condition
Moyes has revealed his admiration for Pickford’s professionalism and physical condition. Despite having less than a fortnight to prepare for the new Premier League campaign after England’s deep run into the World Cup, the 32-year-old shot-stopper looks to be in the best shape of his career.
Speaking to the media, the Blues boss was glowing in his assessment of the goalkeeper’s impact. Moyes stated: “It was brilliant from Jordan. It really was. I have to say, if I’ve got any praise for Jordan, it’s the training he’s done when he came back, he’s looked as sharp as a tack. I think he looks lean. I think he’s kept himself in good condition, he’s got himself ready. I have liked the look of Jordan since he’s come back into training after the World Cup.”
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Senior stars step up for depleted Blues
Moyes acknowledged that without Pickford’s heroics, the result could have been very different, particularly given the youthful nature of the squad he was forced to field due to various injuries to senior personnel. With key midfielders Jimmy Garner and Christian Norgaard unavailable, the responsibility fell on the senior core to ensure the team did not buckle under early pressure.
“It was good because we’ve lost a couple at the moment, we’ve not got Jimmy Garner, we’ve not got [Christian] Norgaard, so we’re playing with a really, really young and inexperienced team. The goalkeeper made a save, which could have made a difference. If they score we might have been having to chase the game in a different way, and maybe these younger players aren’t ready for that. Once we get the goal, they were able to play with a little bit more comfort,” Moyes explained.
Moyes impressed by Pickford’s physical condition
Moyes has revealed his admiration for Pickford’s professionalism and physical condition. Despite having less than a fortnight to prepare for the new Premier League campaign after England’s deep run into the World Cup, the 32-year-old shot-stopper looks to be in the best shape of his career.
Speaking to the media, the Blues boss was glowing in his assessment of the goalkeeper’s impact. Moyes stated: “It was brilliant from Jordan. It really was. I have to say, if I’ve got any praise for Jordan, it’s the training he’s done when he came back, he’s looked as sharp as a tack. I think he looks lean. I think he’s kept himself in good condition, he’s got himself ready. I have liked the look of Jordan since he’s come back into training after the World Cup.”
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Senior stars step up for depleted Blues
Moyes acknowledged that without Pickford’s heroics, the result could have been very different, particularly given the youthful nature of the squad he was forced to field due to various injuries to senior personnel. With key midfielders Jimmy Garner and Christian Norgaard unavailable, the responsibility fell on the senior core to ensure the team did not buckle under early pressure.
“It was good because we’ve lost a couple at the moment, we’ve not got Jimmy Garner, we’ve not got [Christian] Norgaard, so we’re playing with a really, really young and inexperienced team. The goalkeeper made a save, which could have made a difference. If they score we might have been having to chase the game in a different way, and maybe these younger players aren’t ready for that. Once we get the goal, they were able to play with a little bit more comfort,” Moyes explained.
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