Pickford: How New Standard Has Been Set At Everton

Jordan Pickford insists Everton’s resilient display in their 1-0 victory over Newcastle United shows the “standard has been set” at the Club – and says the Blues should be aiming for a bright start to next season.

Charly Alcaraz netted the game’s only goal at St James’ Park, nodding the Toffees ahead against the Champions League-chasing hosts in the final matchday of the Premier League campaign.

As expected, boos rang around the ground every time Pickford – boyhood Sunderland fan and former Black Cats player – touched the ball.

But he responded with a brilliant performance, making six saves to keep a clean sheet – his second against the Magpies in as many games against them in 2024/25.

For Pickford, the shutout means only David Raya and Matt Selz (13 each) kept more Premier League clean sheets this season than the Everton keeper (12), who also ranks second in the division for expected goals prevented.

Reflecting on the weekend’s win, Pickford told evertontv: “I was in the moment and made some big saves, but I thought we were the better side all game.

“The lads grafted and could have scored a few more, as well. So, I think [to be playing against] a side who's just qualified for the Champions League – the way we played just gives us momentum going into next season.

“We're going to lose some great servants of the Club, great leaders in the team, but it's about, like the manager said, the other lads picking it up, picking the pieces and moving on.”

Skippering the side in the absence of injured Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski, Pickford said manager David Moyes wanted his team to "show character”.

“It’s always an honour to captain Everton,” he continued. “And, you know, when Seamus is not available and Tarks isn’t, you've got to step up and it's something I'm really proud of and I know I've always been a leader. Everyone leads in different ways.

“But as well, there wasn't much of a team talk before the game. It was more the gaffer just said to show character. And I think that's what we did.

“There was no pressure on the game, but that's not the level. The level was what we went out and showed today. And as a team performance, it was a great one to finish on."

He believes Sunday’s terrific performance outlined what Everton should be aiming for throughout the new campaign, explaining: “That is the standard and it's about continuing next season and it's about starting well – not getting the results at Christmas through to May. It’s about sustaining that momentum throughout the season.

“And when we take hits, it's how we bounce back as a team. And that's what the manager will be driving next season.”

Up high at St James’ Park, a packed-out Everton away end could be heard throughout most the game, as well as beyond the final whistle, singing Pickford’s new chant.

“Jordan Pickford is dynamite,” echoed around the stadium.

Despite the match not impacting Everton’s already secured 13^th-placed league position, the Blues goalkeeper recognised the need for his side to deliver a strong showing.

“I said in the pre-match interview, someone said, ‘Oh, there's no pressure on the game,’” he added.

“But there is. We’ve got 4,000 Evertonians coming up to Newcastle on a Sunday afternoon and it's about putting a smile on their faces, and they stick with us. And my new chant’s a belter.”