Pickford Reveals What Was Needed For Everton To Show True Quality

Jordan Pickford has revealed the collective belief within the Everton squad, explaining how the Blues are in “a good place” under Carlo Ancelotti and hungry to further climb the Premier League table.

Everton stretched their unbeaten run to five matches with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Saturday. A classy first-half Bernard volley put the Toffees in front, before in-form strike duo Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin got on the scoresheet after the break.

The win moves the Blues up to seventh in the Premier League table, a position that could ultimately secure a Europa League spot.

After a two-week break, Everton return to action against Arsenal on Sunday 23 February. That clash at Emirates Stadium kicks off a mouth-watering quartet of fixtures, with Ancelotti’s men then taking on Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in successive games.

England goalkeeper Pickford says Everton will approach those contests with confidence as the team aims to sustain its push for a European place.

“We’re in a good run of form,” he said.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy against Palace and it was crucial to get three points.

“We just had to dig in and we know the ability we’ve got.

“Dom [Calvert-Lewin] is in top form. I think he is the best form he has been in [during his career], scoring goals week in, week out.


“Richarlison’s playing very well, too.

“We know the ability and depth we have in the squad. We know what we are capable of and we just needed that spark.

“We’re doing well but we’re not the finished article. As a group, we will keep pushing and pushing to keep doing better and climbing that table.”

Everton have accumulated 17 points from eight Premier League matches since manager Ancelotti was appointed in December.

The Blues have steadily risen up the division during that period and currently sit just three points behind fifth-placed Sheffield United.

Pickford, who made 102nd consecutive top-flight start for Everton in Saturday’s win over Palace, praised the positive environment created by Ancelotti and his coaching staff.

“He’s a very experienced manager and he’s a top manager.,” he added.

“He been great, and all his staff have been, too.

“It’s great to be working with him, both as a group and individually.

“We’re in a good place as a group and we just need to kick on.”