Sue Smith, a Sky Sports analyst and former England Women’s Football player, called Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s performance against Liverpool on Saturday “tremendous.”
In the Merseyside derby, Pickford put on an outstanding performance to defeat the Reds, and his counterpart Alisson also did well.
Pickford made some outstanding reflex saves in both halves, including a deft touch onto the crossbar from Darwin Nunez’s shot just before halftime.
Additionally, several shots from Roberto Firmino were blocked, and a Fabinho effort was blocked after a scuffle.
VAR additionally denied Conor Coady after initially electrifying Goodison Park.
Smith said about Pickford on Sky Sports News: “He has had a tremendous game today.”
Manager Frank Lampard also hailed Pickford.
“Superb! The save from Nunez in the first half when I think we were comfortable as you can be against Liverpool – it’s just a moment of quality and he gets a fingertip to it.
“Then in the second half there were a lot of saves that were world-class. He did it at the back end of last season as well.
“He gets scrutiny because he’s England’s number one, I understand that but when he delivers like he did today everyone understands why he’s England’s number one and why we appreciate him so much here.”
Everton has yet to record a victory this year, but Pickford was essential in helping his team earn the four points they did.
Everton have now drawn nine of their previous 12 home games against the Reds; their lone victory came in 2010 thanks to Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.