Gundogan and Pickford scoop Premier League awards

The Premier League awards for Game Changer of the Season and Save of the Season have gone the way of Ilkay Gundogan and Jordan Pickford respectively.

Gundogan has been named the Game Changer of the Season for his incredible cameo that sealed the title for Manchester City on the final day of the season.

The Germany midfielder came on from the bench with City trailing Aston Villa 2-0 last Sunday, and proceeded to score twice in the space of five minutes and 37 seconds, with Rodri’s equaliser wedged between Gundogan’s goals.

Gundogan’s heroics ensured City won their fourth title in the space of five years, denying Liverpool once again.

Substitutions surely don’t get any better than this!@IlkayGuendogan is your 2021/22 Castrol Game Changer of the Season award winner, with this #PL-clinching cameo! #PLAwards | @ManCity pic.twitter.com/I25WFGa1NY

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 28, 2022

England goalkeeper Pickford, meanwhile, has had his stunning save for Everton against Chelsea on May 1 recognised.

Frank Lampard’s team were five points adrift of safety at kick-off against their manager’s former club at Goodison Park, but came out on top thanks to Richarlison’s winner and some incredible goalkeeping from Pickford.

With Everton leading 1-0, Pickford scampered across his line and made a stunning stop to deny Cesar Azpilicueta, who looked all set to drill into an open goal after Mason Mount’s effort had cracked against the post.

That win proved the springboard for Everton to go on and secure survival, ensuring they kept their status as a Premier League ever-present intact.