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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Phil Kirkbride

Bernard's match ritual spotted and why Everton left Jordan Pickford raging

Pickford's point of view

For around the first hour of the game, and in parts after Richarlison had scored, Jordan Pickford was offering the best analysis of Everton 's performance you could find.

Forget flashy tactics boards on television, opinion or stats pieces, the Blues' goalkeeper was cutting right through the display.

"Stop the f***ing cross, man!". "Get up the f***ing pitch!" And so on with the effing and jeffing. And he was right to be giving his team-mates a tongue lashing. The performance was sloppy and lethargic for large periods.

Thankfully, it was pierced by a Gylfi Sigurdsson cross and a Richarlison header to edge Everton in front.

But Pickford, who had made a fine save from Digne in the second minute, provided a fitting analysis of what was going on.

Progress

It was understandable if this got lost in the talk of Everton's move into the top four last night.

But the 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albio n not only strengthened the team's Champions League hopes but saw them surpass number of wins they achieved in the whole of last season's Premier League.

And Everton, with 12 games to go, have just three points less than they managed in the whole of last term.

Bernard's ritual continues

The Brazilian has had limited chances to perform his pre-match ritual this season.

Bernard's start at the Hawthorns last night was only his fifth start in all competitions - but his routine doesn't change, even if his prospects have.

The winger waited until all of his team-mates have handed their tracksuit tops to Tony Sage last night before giving his over and embracing the kit man with a big hug just before kick-off.

Ancelotti's different take

Was this a case of Ancelotti's expert tactical eye seeing something we hadn't or was he simply trying to support his player on a tough night?

Alex Iwobi, recalled to the starting line-up for the game with West Brom, had a difficult evening, where he struggled to make much of an impact.

It came as little surprise to see him replaced just before the hour mark but Ancelotti, publicly at least, says he saw a different performance to the one many of us will not have done.

"I have to say, Alex Iwobi for one hour did a good game."

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