Many Everton fans defend Pickford after loss against Leeds
Plenty of Everton fans have jumped to the defence of Jordan Pickford following their side’s 1-0 loss to Leeds United on Saturday at Goodison Park.
Raphinha’s second-half goal from outside the area proved the difference between the two teams and Squawka noted in a tweet that it was the fourth time the England goalkeeper had been beaten in the Premier League from outside the box this season.
However, Pickford made a number of saves during the match and helped keep his side in the match.
According to FBRef, Pickford made five saves, including an acrobatic effort to stop Patrick Bamford and a close-range block against Helder Costa. The post-shot expected goals was a combined 1.6, which suggests he certainly added value to this Everton performance. He also completed more than half of his passes over 40 metres and made three successful actions outside his penalty area.
With Pickford still the England number one there is a lot of media scrutiny on his shoulders and plenty of Everton fans feel that he is being targeted unfairly, even when a goal conceded is not his fault.
In response to the tweet, some fans said that is was simply part of agenda against the former Sunderland man, while other said the goal was the result of the defence backing off and allowing the shot.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter.
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