I agree that such a goal is stirring. Whenever the winter Olympics roll around and I watch curling itself (!), I'm amazed by the occasional perfect shot that caroms off 3-4 stones, knocking them off the house before settling in the perfect position – almost always, it seems, in slow motion.

The post-match analysis over here reckoned Pickford mistimed his dive and should have got fingertips to it. But is was dipping sharply and still went in off the bar. It would have been save of the season if he'd got to it.

Conor has tried that curler from outside the area several times in previous matches. None even went close, so it is great that he had the self-belief to try it again.
I assume he keeps practising this in training sessions and if so, his persistence paid off. Just when we had been going through unbearable tension following the Everton goal - and the celebrations were a mix of triumph and relief.

Edited by peterg (13 Dec 2021 11.48am)

The right place at the right time

So many pundits saying he might need another season of premier football before he is ready for Chelsea. There are 30,000+ people I know agree!!

It would have been a good save but I think a goalkeeper at the highest level should be getting closer. There are obviously mitigating circunstance but he pushes off from his right leg which means he naturally goes at the ball with his right hand and coming across the line of shot. If his footwork is better he goes with his left leg/ left hand and is more down the line of the ball, gets more hieght and is not twisting in the air.
Big Nige agrees with me, sort off anyway! [Link]

One supporter of hacking argued that without it "you will do away with the courage and pluck of the game, and I will be bound to bring over a lot of Frenchmen who would beat you with a week's practice -Blackheath secretary at first meeting of the F.A

To those suggesting Pickford (or another top keeper) should have saved it - it was perfectly placed, clipping the bar as it went in. Pickford was some way off it as it passed his outstretched hand. I think it would have beaten anyone.

The right place at the right time