OPINION
It’s not been the easiest few weeks for Jordan Pickford. After a number of questionable performances, his dire form came to a head last week with a shaky outing against Newcastle United that ultimately cost his side the game, and what would have been a vital three points. The England number one went a long way to making amends for that horror show with a wonderful and assured display against Chelsea on Sunday. The 25-year-old was called into action on a number of occasions, and every time looked like the solid, dependable Pickford of old. His shot stopping was excellent, but so was his anticipation and his distribution – two facets of his game that have come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Against the Blues, however, he was commanding and vocal, but didn’t overstep the line like he did against the Magpies. This was a rational and impressive performance, and you would hope that it is the first step in a purple patch that would herald the end of his worrying lack of form. It will take more than one match, but a few more outings like this and people will quickly forget about some of the howlers that have beset Pickford in the recent past.
This is Futbol have gathered some of the best tweets:
Good save off Higuain there from Pickford. The goalie has been impeccable so far today after his shenanigans last weekend. #EFC #EVECHE pic.twitter.com/m2eZi320d6
— Royal Blue Mersey (@RBMersey) March 17, 2019
Graeme Sourness looking for a script to say how Pickford must have listened to his criticism of him and took it in board !!
— david smith (@bluebugsy) March 17, 2019
Once he punched that ball clear in the 1st few minutes pickford has been fantastic in this game
— BILLO (@kirkdalebob2) March 17, 2019
Pickford making up for.last week. Well in lad
— Mike Munch Warren (@Mikemunch78) March 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/Jayhoward1878/status/1107337957915222017
The *good* Jordan Pickford is playing today. ?
— Adrian (@AdrianHogg) March 17, 2019
Pickford having his best game in a long while ??
— the esk (@theesk) March 17, 2019
This is the Jordan Pickford we’ve been wanting to see all season???
— Alex Williams (@AlexWilliams_97) March 17, 2019