Everton’s 2-1 weekend defeat away against Newcastle threw up some key changes in personnel, but perhaps the most notable change of all was Jordan Pickford dropping down to the bench, with Swedish international Robin Olsen taking his place between the posts.
The experienced England international has endured a difficult period marred by controversy and errors and found himself replaced by summer signing Olsen, who is on loan at Everton from Serie A side AS Roma.
Ancelotti said on Everton’ official Twitter account: “I just want to give @JPickford1 a rest for this game and to give an opportunity to Olsen, to have minutes. Jordan will be back for the next game against Manchester United.”
Pickford was lucky not to be suspended retrospectively after a horror challenge left Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk requiring knee surgery in the 2-2 derby draw at Goodison Park last month.
He has only managed one clean sheet in the league this season, but was Pickford’s relegation to the bench partially to blame?
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Unfortunately for the Englishman, Olsen certainly showed his quality yesterday.
Despite conceding two goals – one of which was a penalty – Olsen made a number of world-class saves to help his side. A close-range parry against Allan Saint-Maximin stood out as a decisive first-half moment, while Liverpool Echo writer Adam Jones dubbed him “Everton’s best player” in the defeat on Tyneside.
Pickford will supposedly return for the next fixture, though this may have been a shrewd cover by Ancelotti to ease tensions which may surround the goalkeeping department. Regardless, Pickford certainly needs to fight for his place amid Olsen’s competition – the Swede has shown that he can truly give Pickford a run for his spot.
