Wenger credits Sunderland’s Pickford after record-breaking shot tally

It’s not often a manager will heap praise on an opposition goalkeeper who conceded two goals, but Arsene Wenger couldn’t help but lay credit on the feet of Jordan Pickford.

The Gunners beat Sunderland 2-0 on Wednesday night, but the score could have hit plenty more had it not been for the Black Cats stopper at the Emirates.

Indeed Arsenal had a record 36 shots – the most for any Premier League game – with 13 of those coming on target in North London.

“He had an exceptional night,” said the Frenchman.

“I think we had 36 shots at goal, the highest ever in the Premier League, and the keeper saved 11 of them, so he has done extremely well.”

Arsene Wenger during a training session at London Colney. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Wenger was not the only manager saving words for the 23-year-old, with counterpart Moyes reserving time for moments of encouragement despite another underwhelming season.

“Every game we keep needing to talk about Jordan and tonight he made wonder saves at different times for us,” he said.

“Good on him but anyone who supports Sunderland and follows him knows how good he is.

“I think when you look at his age I find it hard to believe that he’s been through the season and made so few mistakes.

“I’ve looked at lots of goalkeepers this season and they’ve made mistakes, but Jordan, who has had a lot of work to do, has done really well.”