Jordan Pickford believes a strong collective effort from the whole Everton squad is driving impressive performances and delivering standout results. 

The latest victory came at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon as the Toffees fought hard to come out on top in a five-goal thriller against Crystal Palace. 

It was an end-to-end clash where the Blues took early leads in each half - first through Vitalli Mykolenko and then Abdoulaye Doucoure. The hosts battled back and levelled on both occasions, Eberechi Eze’s penalty made the game 1-1 and Odsonne Edouard drew the game level at 2-2.

But with four minutes of normal time remaining, Idrissa Gana Gueye, who replaced Amadou Onana at half-time, popped up to score the decisive winning goal. 

Reflecting on that success, Pickford explained: “We knew Palace were going to keep coming and fighting until the end. We had to battle and limit their chances. [The third goal] was taken really well by Gana, a good ball from Doucs and a lovely touch and finish from Gana. 

“The substitutes make an impact, it’s not just the 11 who start the game, it’s a full team putting a shift in all week and then it makes the difference on game day. 

“It’s always a big team effort, that’s what gets you up the table. That is what keeps pushing performances and the mentality for us to be a better side, one that keeps looking forward.”

The Toffees have now tasted defeat in just two of their past nine matches, with three of their last four outings returning wins. 

Saturday’s 3-2 success was also a third consecutive away win in London for Everton this season, a feat made more impressive by the fact the Blues were winless in their previous 13 games in the capital prior to that. 

Pickford admitted that Saturday’s game was more taxing than he and his teammates would have liked, but also believed that coming out on top was a testament to the team’s character. 

“It was a bit stressful, but a win is a win,” said Everton and England's No.1. “It’s three trips to London now and three wins, that is massive coming away from home and we are heading in the right direction in the table. 

“The manager had said we needed to set the tempo and we needed to run all over them. We also needed to show the right discipline. The intention was there straight away and then as soon as we got the goal, we dropped off a little bit and let them back in the game which you can’t do against good sides like Palace.

“Overall, the game was more stressful than we would have liked as a squad. We showed character and won away from home again.