Jordan Pickford believes Everton are reaping the benefits of a back to basics approach under Sean Dyche and has spoken about the importance of keeping clean sheets.
Dyche made it two wins from two at Goodison Park on Saturday as Seamus Coleman’s second-half strike handed the Blues a huge 1-0 win over Leeds United. The win moved Everton out of the relegation zone.
Pickford also recorded a second successive clean sheet on home soil, after the Blues beat Arsenal in Dyche’s first game in charge earlier this month. The former Burnley boss replaced the sacked Frank Lampard at the end of January.
READ MORE: Sean Dyche tells Amadou Onana what he can learn from two Everton players
READ MORE: Seamus Coleman admits Everton 'nerves' after what was shown on scoreboard against Leeds
And when asked about life under Dyche, Pickford, speaking to evertontv, said: “It’s been a refresh. Back to basics, in some respects, and it’s important we're defending our goal well and being hard to beat.
“We need to keep building our form now. We’ve been working extremely hard on the training pitch and that will continue because we want more. Aston Villa are a good side, but we'll put the work in and we'll be ready for the challenge.”
Pickford then added on his side’s win: “It’s always good to get a win. It was a pretty quiet day for me today, but I’m pleased with the clean sheet.
“I think everyone’s working hard to get a game after the refresh of the new manager. He’s big on keeping clean sheets and being hard to break down.
“The wingers have to defend and help the full-backs, and the defenders have to be strong, too. When Goodison’s rocking, it’s a special place to be.
“Of course, we'd rather have got that second goal to ease the pressure and see the game out, but, yes, 1-0 and a clean sheet. It's a great result.”
Coleman set Goodison rocking with a fortunate 64th-minute winner, latching on to Alex Iwobi's pass down the right flank and, as Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal moved to anticipate a cross, the ball flew into the Gwladys Street net.
"It was a good cross, wasn’t it?!' joked Pickford when asked about the goal. "He told us in the changing rooms he definitely meant it and it's a brilliant strike. The lads are buzzing for him and it was an important one for us."
READ MORE:
- Seamus Coleman gave Sean Dyche a blunt view of Everton problems
- Sean Dyche tells Amadou Onana what he can learn from two Everton players
- Neal Maupay steps in during Goodison brawl as Everton ball boy helps Blues seal win
- Amadou Onana gives update as Sean Dyche explains Everton plan for 'knee injury'
- Sean Dyche shows Frank Lampard truth as red card theory emerges
