Gary Neville slams Jordan Pickford as Everton lose 3-0 v Manchester City
Gary Neville was unhappy with Jordan Pickford after a perceived mistake from the Everton goalkeeper during their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
Speaking on live commentary for Sky Sports, the ex-Manchester United defender took aim at the 27-year-old after the England international dropped a ball in the first half.
“He wasn’t fouled,” Neville told Martin Tyler.
“He was always reaching for it, he committed himself early.
“[Seamus] Coleman has a word with him.
“You just see he’s made a mess of it, Pickford.”
Weak
Many fervent football fans are unhappy with the overprotection of goalkeepers in the modern game, so Everton supporters of the same thinking cannot have had too many complaints about the challenge that led to Pickford’s mistake.
Instead, Pickford had to be stronger and more commanding in his penalty area.
This is something that has previously been levelled at him, that he is too weak and should be more forthright when dealing with crosses.
There are little doubts about his shot-stopping prowess, but there are other areas he needs to improve upon before he can be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, something he surely has ambitions of.
But Pickford cannot be blamed for Sunday’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City were just superior in all departments, and that’s what you get when smart recruitment, aided by money, meets astute coaching.
Everton have certainly lacked in the former in recent years.
In other Everton news, the Blues are plotting a loan-to-buy bid for this ‘Incredible’ Marcelo Bielsa-inspired star hailed by Goodison hero.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.