Everton player who shined against Chelsea sends strong message about European race

Everton conceded 56 goals in the Premier League last season. Everton No.1 Jordan Pickford was criticized and scrutinized by every fan and knowledgeable football pundit around the world. People’s cries for a new keeper got more and more vociferous as the season progressed.

Pickford’s turbulent displays raised questions over his England No.1 keeper spot as Burnley’s Nick Pope didn’t leave a single opportunity to make a solid case of himself to Gareth Southgate. Back at Everton, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s belief in Pickford, the rumours of a new keeper remained afloat in the summer transfer window.

Questions were raised on the future of Jordan Pickford

In fact, the Toffees were searching for a keeper, not to directly replace Pickford but to add competition for his role and stop him from being complacent between the sticks. On summer transfer deadline day, Robin Olsen arrived as Goodison Park not only to act as a strong backup to Pickford but even replace him in the lineup if necessary.

Sighting danger to his England No.1 spot and Everton starting role, Pickford backed himself and produced a man of the match worthy performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the first game of the Premier League season. Since then there still have been certain poor decision making moments and some silly mistakes but the English keeper has minimized such terrorizing jiffies to a certain extent.

Jordan Pickford has been immense for Everton

Stable performances at the back and in goal are massively helping Everton to remain in the race for Champions League football as they trail 4th placed Chelsea by four points with one game in hand. Ancelotti and the team are confident that a European place finish is achievable if the team can continue to function with motivation and momentum. Pickford sent a strong message that the Merseysiders are still in the hunt for European football and despite small setbacks, they are ready for the next challenge.

"It was always going to be a tough game against Chelsea on Monday. They’re a very good side but it’s about how we bounce back as a group of lads and as a club.  We’re still in the hunt for Europe.We need to step up and get ready for Saturday. We need to put in a good performance against Burnley and get that momentum going again. You’re always going to have little setbacks in football and, for us, it’s all about Saturday now. (via Everton website)"

In view of recent performances, Pickford has been critically applauded for his athletic and elastic performances for the Toffees, especially since returning from injury. The 27 year old missed four games due to a side injury and post his return he looks even more fresh and confident which is reflected from his play.

The former Sunderland man was impenetrable against Liverpool in the derby, making six spectacular saves. Just when you think Pickford couldn’t get better, he further raised the bar with a concrete performance against Chelsea. Apart from giving away that penalty, he was quite literally faultless, making eight saves at the Stamford Bridge.

Since return from injury, Pickford has made 22 saves in last five games against formidable goal hungry sides like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. The 27 year old believes that the break due to injury may have helped him to produce fine performances between the posts.

"Sometimes a little break can help, but it’s not what I want. I want to be playing every week. I felt I was in a good place anyway [before the injury]. I think my form is good.Mentally, I’m in a very good place and I’m making those saves and trying to give the lads the best opportunity to get a result. I’m a little bit disappointed with conceding the penalty [against Chelsea], but I’ll keep building and keep aiming to get better and better. (via Everton website)"

Everton play Burnley on Saturday and Jordan Pickford will be expected to retain his place as the team’s netminder as he enjoys another purple patch this season.