Even though Everton had numerous chances to score more, they will be happy to have managed a point against such a strong opponent today.
Emi Martinez denied Dominic Calvert-Lewin his perfect opportunity, and a plethora of other half-opportunities were wasted.
Luckily, Sean Dyche and his team’s unexpectedly lavish spending also contributed to the bore draw.
However, considering the intense rivalry between the two teams, the match was anything but dull as 0-0s go.
There were a lot of fights, a lot of bookings, and several really hard tackles that were successful in inciting a raucous Goodison crowd.
Jordan Pickford was hardly ever called upon to make a save in the second half, despite being far from the action. But there was one instance of carelessness that can show that people get the impression that he is not trustworthy.
Reporter Sam Blitz, who was tasked with completing the running commentary for Sky Sports, narrated the incident in which Pickford sprang out and nearly sent Seamus Coleman and the ball into the stands, saying, “Bizzare from Pickford there.” Although Coleman appeared to have everything covered, England’s top player had other ideas.
How did Everton’s Jordan Pickford play vs Aston Villa?
The England international, who now has a record of drawing even with Alisson and Andre Onana in the Premier League, should be happy with another clean sheet.
Pickford’s 8.0 rating, which was probably given because of the easy saves he made in the first half, was actually the highest of any player in the entire game on both sides.
Despite making just four stops in the game’s conclusion, he prevented 0.52 predicted goals.
However, the £30m stopper would blend that with a command of his box that is sometimes lacking, with one punch and one clearance detailing his desperation to come charging out, via Sofascore.
Although this can be a detriment, today it proved pivotal, and the 29-year-old played a key role in silencing the visitors and helping add another crucial point to their survival tally.
Whilst it may well have been bizarre, as Blitz put it, most of what Pickford does is unorthodox.
However, it is that tendency to do the unknown that makes him so great, and what will continue to divide opinions despite England boss Gareth Southgate regularly seeing sense.
Evertonians will not care, as they relish such craziness if it results in a clean sheet. And, in turn, he has grown extremely fond of Goodison.
