Sunderland manager David Moyes has insisted that picking Jordan Pickford over Vito Mannone for the Black Cats 2-0 defeat against Everton during the weekend was the correct decision even though the team lost.
England under-21 goalkeeper Pickford made his comeback after a knee ligament injury sustained on Boxing day against Manchester United.
Vito Mannone served while Pickford was injured and once he was fit again, the 22-year-old was immediately restored as the Black Cats first team shot-stopper.
Moyes said of Pickford’s display at Goodison during during the weekend, “He was a little bit rusty, maybe. But overall I felt he did very well. He made a couple of really important saves for us.”
Moyes was certainly justified in picking Pickford. Along with Jermain Defoe, the young goalkeeper has been one of the few players that have actually shown signs of brilliance in an otherwise struggling team.
If Sunderland want to avoid relegation, then getting the best out of Pickford will be key to their cause.
