Everton star Jordan Pickford told ‘fantastic’ thing he did v Forest was ‘perfection’

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Everton were, to a man, imperious yesterday.

They fought for one another on the road, as they have done with immense regularity this season, and dug out an important win to move within just three points of the safety they so richly crave.

Given Burnley had won earlier in the day, thus relegating the Toffees to the foot of the Premier League table, it marked an important victory not only for their standing but also for the mentality of the playing staff.

Everyone played their part in a fourth away victory for Sean Dyche’s men, with Jarrad Branthwaite unstoppable at the back, James Garner relentless in midfield, and Dwight McNeil incisive up top.

Even Jordan Pickford, who had enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, would earn his spurs by full-time, in a moment that drew praise from pundit Paul Robinson.

The 29-year-old was only called into action on two occasions, but the speed he showed in the 84th minute stopped a certain goal was worthy of adulation. As Anthony Elanga raced through on goal, the former Sunderland shot-stopper was alert to quell the threat.

Speaking live for BBC Sport, Robinson would praise the goalkeeper: ‘That was brilliant from Jordan Pickford. Everton got themselves in a real mess committing too many men forward.

‘Caught on the break and Elanga looked for all the world like he was through one on one. Pickford was off his line so sharp, comes flying out.

‘He ran the risk of giving away a penalty but he timed it to perfection. Fantastic from the England goalkeeper.’

How did Jordan Pickford play vs Nottingham Forest?

As aforementioned, Pickford had little to do for the bulk of his afternoon at the City Ground.

After all, his centre-backs were utterly resolute throughout, and finished the clash as good value for a clean sheet by thrashing away any threats posed.

However, when called into action the England international stepped up, and actually prevented an expected goals of 0.49.

Although that is the most important thing, that he kept the ball out of his net, hitting the target with ten of the 20 long balls he attempted marked an impressive figure for the 58-cap ace who remained a key cog in Dyche’s system.

Such a moment of magic to thwart Elanga has become commonplace nowadays for Pickford, who has slowly grown into an Everton hero of late.

Should he stick around at Goodison Park and hopefully lead them into a brighter era spearheaded by the move into the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, there is every chance he could leave a legend.