Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith was thrilled by the performance of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in his side’s 2-2 draw against Sheffield United this afternoon.
Abdoulaye Doucoure put Everton ahead 14 minutes into the game at Bramall Lane to grab the Toffees’ first Premier League goal of the season, but they were pegged back in the 33rd minute after Cameron Archer drew the hosts level.
Pickford was unlucky just shortly before the break as the ball came off the post then off the back of the England international and into the net after Archer curled a shot at goal.
Everton drew level ten minutes after the game restarted through Arnaut Danjuma, with the summer arrival tapping home past the Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham at the far post following a peach-perfect cross from Nathan Patterson.
Both sides kept seeking a winner but it was the hosts that came closest after Oliver McBurnie’s 99th-minute header following a corner went into the ground and was then pushed up onto the bar by Pickford.
McBurnie followed up but hit the ball against Pickford’s head and it deflected against the post before the Everton keeper finally gathered it.
The double save secured the draw for Everton, and Smith was impressed with Pickford.
“Oh wow, it must be the last chance of the game,” she said.
“It is an unreal save. Absolutely brilliant from Jordan Pickford and he has won his team a point.”
JORDAN PICKFORD WHAT A SAVE! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/DFR2O64rKH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 2, 2023
The Toffees lost 1-0 to Fulham, 4-0 to Aston Villa and 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening three league games of 2023-24, and they headed to Bramall Lane desperate to turn their fortunes around.
Manager Sean Dyche and his men would have loved to leave with all three points, but they head into the international break with a deserved draw and will be keen to do better and start winning games when action resumes.
Everton host Arsenal in a fortnight on September 16, and a win in that game could be the start of a run that could get them out of the danger zone.
