As his team drew with Sheffield United on Saturday (2 September), Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford caught Gary Lineker’s attention with an intriguing detail.
The England international assisted the Toffees in a 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane by scoring an own goal in the first half after the ball bounced back off the post and struck him in the head. In the second half, he produced two outstanding saves, both of which included the ball bouncing off his head.
On September 2 (1:05), the host of Match of the Day noted that it was “unusual” for a goalkeeper to have two headers in a single game, but he also acknowledged that the 29-year-old was in “top form” against the Blades. Pundit Jermaine Jenas was also quite pleased with the goalie’s performance.
They probably would have lost this game if it weren’t for him (Pickford), remarked Jenas. “He had no control over the own goal, which may have undermined his self-confidence but didn’t.
“This is the one; look at this for a save. McBurnie flew in at the last second. When it hits the crossbar as he is flying, he catches it with the tips of his fingers, but when it comes back, it smacks him in the head.
“I just believe he had a chance to prove himself after being criticized for not coming out to grab the cross the previous week. A successful day for Pickford.
Effective
Pickford heading the ball twice in a single game was extremely uncommon, but it ended up working because it gave Everton a point.
Because there was nothing he could have done to stop it from happening, he was extremely unlucky to score the own goal in the first half.
The England number one is used to odd things occurring while he is on the field, but it paid off for him later in the game against the Blades.
Pickford will be eager to improve on his performance in South Yorkshire after making a number of superb saves during the afternoon, albeit perhaps not having the season-opening he may have hoped for.
Even though it was only a point for the Blues, Sean Dyche will be happy to be playing in the Premier League and will now be eager to put in a lot of effort with the team before they meet Arsenal following the break.
