An outstanding performance for promising Pickford

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What a weekend that was with some rather surprising results!

Manchester City reminded us all of their fantastic ability as they thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0. This demolishing means that Sam Allardyce’s side needs at least a draw from their showdown with strugglers Hull to guarantee survival. It really was a lacklustre performance from Palace and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will be disappointed with his performance. While the Welsh international made some great saves, denying De Bruyne’s free-kick and Leroy Sané’s efforts, Hennessey should not have let Kevin de Bruyne’s weak shot creep inside the post.

Man City keeper Willy Caballero, on the other hand, should be most pleased with his performance and with getting a clean sheet. Back in the side due to Bravo’s season-ending injury, he proved that he’s more than an able deputy with a wonderful save to keep Christian Benteke’s header out. City look certain to bring in a new goalkeeper and many would argue that the Argentine deserves a contract extension in the summer.

Sunderland stunned everyone with their win against Hull at the KCOM on Saturday. The visitors scored two past Eldin Jakupović which was a spirited display from a relegated side. Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford underlined why he will be highly sought after amongst Premier League clubs, with a number of top-class performances.

Pickford has been the shining light for Sunderland in an otherwise dire campaign, in arguably his best display yet! He looked confident, assured and commanding, and kept Sunderland in the game with three stunning saves against Sam Clucas, Abel Hernández and Lazar Marković.

For Swansea, victory over Everton on Saturday makes a seventh year of Premier League football in South Wales a strong possibility. It was a win that really mattered, and it takes the Welsh side out of the drop zone.

Maarten Stekelenburg started in goal for Everton and didn’t have too much to do. He made one superb save, however, denying Leroy Fer in the second half. The Dutchman was beaten by Fernando Llorente’s close range header but there was little he could do to prevent the goal.

On Sunday, Arsenal came out on top against top four rivals Manchester United. It was a win that rekindled the Gunners’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. United boss José Mourinho made eight changes, including a league debut for 19-year-old defender Axel Tuanzebe. Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Čech will be happy with a clean sheet. He played very well, making a great stop to deny Wayne Rooney from close range after miscommunication with centre half, Rob Holding.

David de Gea had a good game for United, despite conceding two goals. He was helpless to prevent either goals, but his save from Aaron Ramsey’s strike was superb and one that any goalkeeper would have been proud of!

With fixtures on Wednesday and Friday evening, it’s going to be another exciting and busy week in the Premier League! Let’s hope that we can see some more fantastic goalkeeper and shot stopping displays as we come to the end of the season!

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Photo: Dom Fellowes








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