Everton’s performance last night was far from vintage, but to claim a result anyway marked a much-needed step in the right direction.
After all, so often this season have they dominated, creating chance after chance, only to still find a way to drop points. It has been the story of their campaign, yet nothing ever seems to change.
Well, stealing a point in ugly fashion is Sean Dyche’s bread and butter, and that was exhibited perfectly last night.
However, he did have to rely on Jordan Pickford’s stunning display to keep his side in it, which Joleon Lescott outlined…
Joleon Lescott thinks Jordan Pickford stood out for Everton
Speaking after the match to TNT Sports, the pundit, who had previously detailed how one player was being targeted by the opposition, was instead complimentary about another Everton player.
And whilst there were few to choose from, given the performance itself was hardly vintage, from that first half particularly there was only one man from the travelling side who had earned his spurs.
With Shay Given quick to laud his fellow goalkeeper, the former Manchester City centre-back would later chime in, suggesting he alone was the only one playing his best football.
And what a time to do it, against the rivals of his old club Sunderland. The £125k-a-week shot-stopper would have loved that.
Lescott noted: ‘He showed the character that you need to get points you need at a place like this. I think he was the only one who played to his potential and maximum capacity in the first half and throughout the game. Deservedly so in my opinion he got man of the match today.’
Jordan Pickford silences Newcastle United yet again
The ongoing rivalry between Pickford and Newcastle United is quite laughable. I don’t think I have ever seen one fanbase so completely and utterly obsessed with one player.
And in return, the goalkeeper relishes it.
After all, he is exactly the kind of character that relishes such a challenge, and whether it be home or away, the Toon Army will do all they can to unsettle the former Sunderland man in any way they can.
Unfortunately for them, it has not quite worked out all that often.
Aside from one or two somewhat rash performances in the past, in which he has bought into the passion of the affair and got distracted, Pickford is largely otherwise faultless against the Magpies.
Results may have fluctuated, naturally so with the respective trajectories of both clubs, but the 30-year-old very rarely leaves feeling like he could have done more.
On this occasion, despite it only being a draw, he will this time walk away proud knowing that he has thwarted Newcastle with his personal heroics.