Jordan Pickford’s form poor for Everton
2223
Everton suffered a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon, after throwing away a two-goal lead. The Toffees were still 2-1 up until the last ten minutes of the game when the Magpies struck twice through a brace from Ayoze Perez.
While the whole Everton defence capitulated in the closing stages of the game, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had a hand, literally, in the home sides victory.
The former Sunderland star saved a first-half penalty kick from Matt Ritchie and it seemed that he was set for a winning return in the north east, only to struggle on all three of the home sides goals.
Pickford was obviously rattled by the goading of the home fans, who gave the England number stick for previously playing for the Magpies rivals Sunderland. Throughout the game, Pickford looked like the occasion got to him.
Rather than produce a professional performance, he produced an erratic display, something that is now a common feature of his game this season.
On too many occasions the 25-year-old has cost Everton with his unsure handling and over-confidence. Maybe the praise he received during the World Cup has gone to his head, as instead of a steady influence in-between the sticks, the Toffees now have somebody who gives the players in front of him little confidence.
His form this season has endangered his status as England’s number one goalkeeper. The likes of Watford’s Ben Foster and of late Burnley’s Tom Heaton are far more steady goalkeepers than the 25-year-old at the minute.
Pickford’s recent form is worrying for Everton and England. If his performances continue to be as poor as recent weeks then the Toffees may look to cash-in on the former Sunderland star in the summer.
More worrying than his form is arguably his whole attitude and character. His emotional reactions are both a strength and a weakness. He has become unsteady this season and nobody wants an unsteady goalkeeper.
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