‘He’s Looked as Sharp as a Tack’ — Moyes Praises Pickford After Everton’s Winning Start

David Moyes has hailed Jordan Pickford’s preparation and decisive goalkeeping after the Everton No.1 produced a crucial save in the Toffees’ 2–0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.

Pickford was forced into action while the match remained goalless, denying Eddie Nketiah with a sharp fingertip save that helped Everton survive an important early moment. Everton subsequently took control, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opening the scoring before Thierno Barry added a second after the interval.

Pickford produces when Everton need him

Crystal Palace had an opportunity to take the lead when Adam Wharton's ball found Nketiah behind the Everton defence.

The Palace forward had time to aim for the target, but Pickford reacted quickly to his left and got enough of a touch to divert the effort away.

It proved to be an important intervention.

Everton went on to score before half-time, allowing Moyes' side to approach the second half with greater confidence.

Moyes impressed by Pickford's condition

Moyes was particularly pleased with the goalkeeper's preparation since returning to Everton following England's World Cup campaign.

The Everton manager praised Pickford's training and physical condition, describing him as “sharp as a tack” and noting that he looked lean and well prepared.

Moyes also explained that he had been impressed with Pickford since the goalkeeper returned to training.

That preparation proved valuable when Everton needed him most.

Experience proves important for Everton

Moyes was dealing with a relatively young and inexperienced squad, with Jimmy Garner and Christian Nørgaard unavailable.

The manager acknowledged that Pickford's save could have changed the entire match had Palace taken the lead.

Instead, Everton stayed level before eventually finding the breakthrough.

“Once we get the goal, they were able to play with a little bit more comfort,” Moyes explained.

For a team undergoing another period of development, having an experienced goalkeeper capable of producing decisive moments could prove crucial.

Pickford responds after England scrutiny

The performance also arrived at an interesting time for Pickford.

The Everton goalkeeper had faced scrutiny over his displays for England during the summer, including criticism surrounding Argentina's equaliser in the World Cup semi-final.

Against Crystal Palace, however, he produced the kind of intervention that Everton needed and finished the match with a clean sheet.

For Moyes, the performance was another sign that his goalkeeper has returned to club football in excellent condition.

Everton have made a positive start

The 2–0 victory gives Everton three points from their opening Premier League fixture and provides an early boost to Moyes' plans.

The Toffees will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with a trip to Preston North End next on the schedule.

Pickford's form will remain one of the major storylines surrounding Everton, particularly after the confidence-boosting start.

Moyes has seen the signs in training. Pickford has now produced the evidence on the pitch.