LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
BBC Sport journalist calls for ‘more resistance’ from Jordan Pickford to change Everton troubles
Jordan Pickford needs to show “more resistance” in the Everton goal to help his side push up the table, according to Luke Reddy.
Writing on BBC Sport’s Everton page (13 October, 13:01), Reddy pointed to the club’s poor save percentage record as a key reason behind the Toffees’ defensive struggles.
Everton have conceded, the joint-third-worst of all Premier League sides above them in the table after facing 91 shots this season.
Reddy wrote: “Slightly worryingly, their save percentage of 62.5% is third-worst in the league at this early stage.
“So if stats are your thing, a little more accuracy in front of goal and a bit more resistance from Jordan Pickford should go a long way in pushing the club up the table.”
Struggle
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While few would question Pickford’s goalkeeping ability, his poor save percentage is quite damning and a major point of contention. Reddy also noted that only Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have faced fewer shots than Pickford, suggesting he could certainly improve.
Per FBRef, Pickford has made just 18 saves this season, the 16th-lowest in the Premier League. Saving statistics can sometimes be misleading. Ederson has fewer saves than Pickford, but that does not make him a worse goalkeeper.
However, for a side like Everton, a strong, confident shot-stopper is needed, and the England number one has had better seasons.
Everton’s defence has been suspect this season too, so Pickford can’t take all the blame for the amount his side has conceded. Against Luton Town, for instance, Tom Lockyer’s opener would not have happened if the Toffees backline were stronger for set pieces.
Carlton Morris’ thundering header from a corner would not have been saved by Pickford if it was a few inches lower, and there was nothing the goalkeeper could do about the rebound.
Pickford often produces big moments and big saves when it counts, but he will always have stats that won’t flatter his ability.
In other Everton news, the club could be set to make a move for a forward after a journalist has mooted a January transfer.
