“The first half we weren’t good, it was a mistake from Beto for the goal. In second half we dominated as Chelsea sat in and took the 1-0. Robert Sanchez made a few good saves so credit to him. We just need to be better in the final third.” Jordan Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford singled out an opposition player for praise after his team’s defeat at Chelsea.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford singled out an opposition player for praise after his team’s defeat at Chelsea.
For the Blues, they collected a much-needed three points in the Premier League by beating Everton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
In a match where Chelsea had plenty of great opportunities in front of goal, Nicolas Jackson turned out to be the match winner because of his excellent low strike in the 27th minute.
Enzo Maresca had a touchline ban for the Everton fixture so he was sat high up in press box at Stamford Bridge. Thankfully, he watched his side fight to earn three points, which temporarily lifts them up to fourth position in the league table.
Jordan Pickford applauds Robert Sanchez performance
Jordan Pickford, the Everton and England star, praised his opposite number after losing to Chelsea.
He gave credit to Blues keeper Robert Sanchez, 27, for his impressive display in between the sticks.
Pickford said via the Premier League’s official website (2:46pm, 26 April): “The first half we weren’t good, it was a mistake from Beto for the goal. In second half we dominated as Chelsea sat in and took the 1-0. Robert Sanchez made a few good saves so credit to him. We just need to be better in the final third.”
Even though Sanchez didn’t have much to do for the majority of the game, he was called into action when Everton piled the pressure on in the latter stages.
The Spanish gloveman stepped up when his team needed it with some great interventions. In particular, he dived to make a stunning save from a Dwight McNeil effort when his momentum was going in the opposite direction.
Chelsea will have a full goalkeeper review in the summer, which is no surprise because it’s been a problem position this term. However, Sanchez deserves his flowers after a key contribution to picking up three points against Everton.
Enzo Maresca impressed with Robert Sanchez against Everton
In his post-match interview, Chelsea head coach Maresca did single out Chelsea’s shot-stopper for his weekend performance.
When asked about Sanchez’s display against Everton, Maresca told TNT Sports: “Very happy. He deserved it to be honest because in the last weeks he received some criticism. You can see how the teammates at the end celebrate with him because he deserved that.”
Even if Sanchez isn’t the long-term option in Chelsea’s goal, he’s definitely got a key role to play in the final month of the season.
Robert Sanchez will start the remaining Premier League games after regaining his starting position from Filip Jorgensen, so fans will hope he can build on the Everton match.
