BT Sport pundit Steve Sidwell has raved about Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after his ‘absolutely first class’ display against Chelsea.
A much-weakened Everton side travelled to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night amid rising discontent within the fanbase following four defeats in their previous five outings.
They were given little hope of securing anything against a much stronger-looking Chelsea side.
However, despite the hosts taking the lead in the 70th minute through the in-form Mason Mount, the Toffees were able to take a point from the game.
Jarrad Branthwaite was the unlikely scorer of the equaliser, stretching at the back post to steer Anthony Gordon’s set-piece delivery into the bottom right corner.
He wasn’t the only hero on the night, though, with Pickford excelling between the sticks.
The England international pulled off nine saves across the 90 minutes, helping him to a WhoScored.com rating of 8.4 and the Man of the Match award.
His performance was lauded by BT Sport pundits Joleon Lescott, Glenn Hoddle and Steve Sidwell, but Sidwell was particularly effusive in his praise.
“He was absolutely first class today,” said the former Chelsea midfielder [BT Sport 2 16/11 21:58]. “He stepped up to the plate.”
“He’s been criticised before for switching off and not concentrating but I didn’t think he put a foot wrong tonight, even with his distribution.”
Pickford was extremely impressive, with saves from Mason Mount in the first half and Thiago Silva in the second particular highlights.
As Sunday’s home clash against Leicester City has been postponed, next up for the Toffees is a trip to Burnley on Boxing Day.
In other news, ‘Stepped up when we really needed him’: Some Everton fans in awe of ‘future captain’
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