Pickford: Chelsea Draw Proves Everton's Progress Under Silva
12th November 2018
The Blues put in a display packed with hard graft and tireless work-rate – mixed with counter-attacking intent – to frustrate their unbeaten high-flying hosts
- Jordan Pickford believes Everton’s hard-earned point at Chelsea was testament to the squad's strong team spirit and the progress under Marco Silva
- He produced a fine save to keep out Marco Alonso’s stinging first-half volley, while his teammates battled throughout the contest at Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea upped the pressure after the break and it required resolute defending to prevent the hosts from adding to their tally of 12 goals from their previous five league matches on home soil
LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom- Jordan Pickford believes Everton’s hard-earned point at Chelsea was testament to the squad's strong team spirit and the progress under Marco Silva.
The Blues put in a display packed with hard graft and tireless work-rate – mixed with counter-attacking intent – to frustrate their unbeaten high-flying hosts and gain a reward to move to within a point of sixth-placed Bournemouth.
Pickford produced a fine save to keep out Marco Alonso’s stinging first-half volley, while his teammates battled throughout the contest at Stamford Bridge as Everton caught the eye once again on the road.
After impressing at both Arsenal and Manchester United this season but ultimately coming away empty-handed, Pickford was buoyed by the Toffees’ grit and steely determination to collect a well-earned reward.
“Coming to Stamford Bridge, they’re unbeaten in the league this season, we know it’s going to be a tough test but it shows how much we’re progressing as a group,” said the England No.1.
“The team spirit was there today and that got us a point in the end. We may have had a couple more chances but to come away with a point from Stamford Bridge against an in-form Chelsea side is a good point.”
Resolute defending
After dominating the early stages in west London, Everton went close to breaking the deadlock when Bernard unleashed a half volley inches wide from 20 yards out.
Chelsea upped the pressure after the break and it required resolute defending to prevent the hosts from adding to their tally of 12 goals from their previous five league matches on home soil.
“[Creating chances] is something to work on but when you defend that well sometimes it’s hard to get that break but I think as a group we dug in well,” added Pickford, who now goes on international duty with England for upcoming matches against USA and Croatia at Wembley.
“You’ve got everyone defending first to keep a clean sheet and we may have got that one chance but I think everyone is happy with a point.
“It shows our team spirit is quality and our group is working really hard. We want to progress as a group and get up the table as high as we can and it starts with team spirit. You can’t beat a clean sheet.
“We’ve got new signings this year and we’ve improved as a squad. The quality in our squad has been good and it’s a great challenge for everyone.”
-Report by www.evertonfc.com