Last night's derby win was some sort of redemption for Everton keeper

As Everton supporters continue to enjoy last night’s superb 2-0 win at Anfield, arguably the most outstanding individual performance was that of Jordan Pickford.

The England goalkeeper is a player who seems to personify this Everton team. He has talent and can produce some excellent performances but you always feel that a costly mistake and an inexplicably indifferent game is lurking round the corner.

I’ve been hugely critical of him in the past, as I think nearly ever Toffees supporter has. Pickford’s inconsistent performances and unforced errors have been so frustrating to watch and have cost the team goals and points.

Perhaps the nadir of these sloppy performances was the match at Wolves late last season as the Covid-interrupted campaign moved towards it’s long, drawn out conclusion.

The Blues had enjoyed a significant but still fragile revivial under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. After flirting with relegation at the end of 2019 when Marco Silva was eventually sacked, Everton had climbed up the table and had a slight chance of securing a Europa League place at the end of the season.

They travelled to Molineux to face a confident Wolves side who were also pushing for European football. The Toffees produced one of their worst performances of that or any recent season as they collapsed pathetically to a 3-0 defeat that pretty much put paid to any lingering outside hopes of a Europa League place.

And Pickford didn’t seem to be too bothered. At one point after almost allowing the ball to go through his legs and into the net, he appeared to be laughing at the comical nature of it all. It seemed to sum up the problem with the England keeper. He was too easily distracted and it was almost as if he didn’t take his job seriously at times.

As the season peetered out there was specualtion about whether Everton would be in the market for a new goalkeeper during the upcoming transfer window.

As it happened the Blues hadn’t brought anyone in as deadline day approached. Then on final day of the window the Toffees signed Robin Olsen on loan from Roma.

His arrival did see an improvement in Pickford’s form and consistency this season but then the old problems resurfaced with a classically erratic display against Leicester City.

Appearing to lack awareness and concentration he first pushed a ball that was going wide out of play so conceding a corner then flapped at the ball coming in, which led to a goal he failed to stop. The keeper’s errors had cost Everton two precious points.

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Olsen has had more game-time recently with Pickford also injured but he had his wobbles against Manchester United and so going into yesterday’s derby it was big decision for Ancelotti as to who would get the nod.

The Merseyside derby has seemingly highlighted all of Pickford’s problems. You could argue that the beginning of his difficulties at Everton came because of a derby, that notorious one back in December 2018.

With seconds left and the Blues heading for a well-earned point, Pickford’s awful error gave Liverpool an undeserved winner right at the death.

Ever since then Pickford has seemed more and more fallible. Then earlier this season came his rush of blood early on in the Goodison derby, which resulted in Virgil Van Dijk’s injury.

So Ancelotti’s decision to pick him last night was a bold one and a vote of confidence in the player. It worked perfectly and Pickford gained a welcome measure of redemption with a man-of-the-match performance between the sticks.

He was outstanding making some brilliant saves especially that one against Jordan Henderson and looking confident and decisive whenever he had to come for the ball.

Now the big question is if he continues to be Ancelotti’s first-choice, can he keep it up and play his part in helping Everton secure something tangible from this season.

Last night a redemption for Everton keeper

By Matt Townsend | Feb 21, 2021

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