Everton were in their element yesterday, pitted against a side who love dominating the ball, but sometimes struggle against a low-block side.
Arsenal, naturally, therefore enjoyed 69% of the ball as they narrowly squeezed past Sean Dyche’s side.
Despite forging chance after chance, Mikel Arteta’s men could not breach Jordan Pickford’s goal, and even after they had equalised, it felt like they were destined for a draw to doom them to another second-placed finish.
That was, before Kai Havertz controversially poked home in the dying embers of the clash, with Dyche left stunned by the VAR call.
Amidst all that turmoil though, there was one moment of comedy involving the aforementioned shot-stopper.
Jordan Pickford enjoyed his pass vs Arsenal
A unique and emotional character, Pickford has always caught the attention of fans with his wild antics.
Whether that be screaming at his defenders for calling him into action, or pulling faces at the cameras as he lies on the ball. Nobody can predict his next move, but it is that capability to do something extraordinary that has made him such an important player for Everton.
However, he is far more than just a funny guy for the Toffees.
His shot-stopping is exemplary and has bailed them out on many, many occasions over the last few years, but his passing is equally crisp.
There was one particular flashpoint in the second half though, where the former Sunderland man fizzed a left-footed pass into midfield.
Controlled on the chest of Amadou Onana, Pickford was there to celebrate the simple pleasures in the sport, and did so with a cheeky imaginary golf swing.
A typically jovial response from the 30-year-old to an otherwise mundane action.
Jordan Pickford has been exceptional for Everton
As aforementioned, it is the unbridled joy he brings alongside his quality in goal that has endeared him to Evertonians with such ease.
Signed in 2017 and expected to be the club’s long-term replacement for Tim Howard, it took some time for Pickford to mature.
His clashes with Newcastle United were always particularly turbulent, but in the last three years, when the club really needed heroes, he has stepped up.
Now, he is one of the Premier League’s best in his role, evidenced by the fact that Everton, a relegation-threatened side, conceded the fourth-least goals in the division whilst he kept the second-most clean sheets.
Despite inexplicable media scrutiny, few can deny his credentials nowadays.