Troy Deeney makes U-turn on 'Awful' Everton star, given his flowers v Newcastle

Troy Deeney has applauded Jordan Pickford for his Everton display against Newcastle United despite his “awful” start to the season.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper was crucial as the Toffees kept a clean sheet during a goalless draw with the Magpies at Goodison Park on Saturday 6 October, saving a spot-kick from Anthony Gordon.

With the whole of Sean Dyche’s team struggling to find their form, the goalkeeper kept his first clean sheet of the Premier League campaign, earning the Man of the Match award, as per FotMob.

Writing via his BBC Team of the Week on Monday (7 October), Deeney said: “I’ve given Jordan a lot of stick over the course of this season because I think he’s played awful at times, but now I’m going to give him his flowers.

“I thought he played really well against Newcastle, not only with his penalty save, but I thought he was more measured and more controlled. He got hold of his team, claimed a clean sheet and earned them a well-deserved point.”

Michael Keane was also given his plaudits, with Deeney saying: “He gets a lot of stick and is under a lot of pressure at Everton. The fans aren’t having him one bit.

“James Tarkowski, who normally gets a lot of credit, was poor and Keane was solid as ever cleaning up for him.”

Jordan Pickford impresses in Everton draw v Newcastle United

Pickford is hugely critical when it comes to his own performances, especially in front of the home crowd at Goodison Park, and he will admit his displays have been lacking.

However, as someone who is now Everton through and through, he stepped up at a crucial moment to deny Gordon from the penalty spot and secure an important point near the bottom of the league table.

The Toffees have claimed five points from their last three Premier League clashes, which is a huge boost from the opening four losses against Brighton, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Dyche’s defence was one of the biggest keys to Everton’s survival last season, with only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool conceding fewer goals, but that form has not carried through to the new season.

Of course, Jarrad Branthwaite’s absence has played a vital role in the drop in form, though the team cannot continue to rely on a single player to keep clean sheets, especially at home.

In other Everton news, Chris Sutton hit out at what a fan said live on air about a Toffees figure.

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