Sean Dyche singled out Jordan Pickford for praise after the Everton goalkeeper stepped up to the plate during the 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, while speaking to the Clarets’ website.
The battle between England’s warring shot-stoppers was an enthralling one on Saturday lunchtime.
Pope once again produced a miracle or two with a couple of superb stops to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez while Everton, at the other end, had their prayers answered by a much-maligned glovesman who silenced his critics for one weekend at least.
Pickford showcased his own feline reflexes as Chris Wood powered a header towards the bottom corner in the second half, producing a fine response to his many doubters as he salvaged a point for Carlo Ancelotti’s out-of-sorts side.
“In the end, I thought it was a game of two goalkeepers,” said Dyche. “Don’t get me wrong, I thought both teams were having a good go to win the game, and there were moments of quality.
“But it comes down to two goalkeepers in fine form. The best ‘keepers always find saves when they are needed.
“Popey made two great saves with his legs and Pickford also makes two when he was needed, so those two have certainly done themselves no harm at all.”
Pickford might have his fair share of critics – and understandably so given that he has been less Neville Southall and more Espen Baardsen of late – but the former Sunderland star has been far from disastrous in 2020/21.
Leeds United would have cruised rather than clawed their way to victory at Goodison Park without Pickford’s heroics. And it was his faultless performance on the opening day that led to Tottenham suffering their only defeat of the campaign so far.
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