LATEST NEWS

Pickford Reveals Key To Winning Finale

Jordan Pickford says Everton's mentality was the key to securing Sunday's 1-0 win over Bournemouth that also retained the Club's Premier League status.

The Everton and England goalkeeper has been a key performer for the Blues throughout the season and once typified the relentless nature and never-say-die attitude of Sean Dyche's side on a dramatic final day.

And Pickford believes the group's mindset heading into the all-important victory over the Cherries is one that must be carried forward into next term. 

“We spoke about mentality earlier, have mentality and show it, and I felt we did exactly that. Our attitude and dedication was there to see throughout," said Pickford.

"In the first half, I just felt we needed to add that extra 10% and bit of quality to build on the mentality.

"It's been a tough couple of years. We were in a dog fight last year and again this year but we've needed character to get out of that situation.

"Over the course of the season, we dropped too many points we shouldn't have done and we should never have been in this position but on the flip side you can take the character in the dressing room and have belief in that - but, as I say, we shouldn't be in that position.

"We need to look at things as a club, as a team, as players, as staff - as a whole collective to go forward now and make sure we're not in this situation again."

The Toffees went into the half-time interval goalless and with the pressure on knowing Leicester City were winning against West Ham United, Abdoulaye Doucoure's excellent strike 12 minutes after the break was enough to seal an all-important three points, much to the relief of Pickford who felt it was deserved reward for his side’s overall display.

"It was a boss goal!" He continued. "It was a great finish. I think we made it difficult for ourselves and Doucs has come up with a screamer rather than us finishing easier chances. 

"You want the game wrapped up and as a goalkeeper you're there to keep the ball out and keep a clean sheet, which we managed, so it was a good day.

"It got us over the line and that is massive for the Club and for us as players I think it showed how much we were fighting for the fans.”

Pickford's most significant contribution of the afternoon came four minutes into second-half stoppage time, denying Matias Vina's effort from the edge of the box.

Despite the crucial nature of the stop, the man himself remained modest afterwards. 

"The save at the end was a comfortable save, one you should make, at a good height," he added. "It was a good strike from the lad, a pure strike which makes it a bit easier for the goalkeeper, so it was about me putting it away in a good area."