TIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

Jordan says close bond will save Toffees steer clear of trouble

-  NEIL MOXLEY

JORDAN PICKFORD rubbished the theory that the Toffees' troubles have galvanised them, saying: "We were tight anyway."

The England keeper believes the club had turned a corner even before the 10-point penalty punishment but dismissed the notion that it has since sharpened the focus at Goodison Park.

Pickford was well protected throughout as Sean Dyche's men slogged their way to the spoils thanks to Dwight McNeil's sweet strike.

It is a case of 'needs must' as the Merseysiders attempt to claw their way back into the mid-table pack but three victories on their last four away days lends weight to Pickford's argument.

Asked if the deduction had brought the squad together, he said: "No, because we're close anyway. Before the decision we were picking up results away from home and getting points at home.

"The togetherness has been there before that.