Roy Keane brands Everton’s Jordan Pickford ‘disgraceful’ as he makes big relegation prediction
Roy Keane says he was getting “really frustrated” by Everton time wasting in the win over Chelsea but admits he understands why in the circumstances.
The Toffees secured an invaluable 1-0 win over the European champions after a goal by Richarlison and some incredible work in goal from Jordan Pickford, and the pundit now believes they will be safe from relegation.
Keane singled out the goalkeeper for both his saves and his perceived underhand tactics, in the second game running where the England man has been criticised for wasting time.
Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football (2 May 7.37pm) the former Manchester United captain said: “I was getting really frustrated. I thought some of the stuff they were doing was disgraceful, the time wasting, every time there was an injury they were staying down for ages.
“Pickford the goalkeeper made some great saves but his time wasting was disgraceful.
“But I totally get it. They have to win a game of football.
“I think where Everton are, you’re fighting for their lives, we’re talking about survival. Survival for Frank [Lampard], for the players, for the supporters.
“Yesterday, the atmosphere, it was electric. Before the game I thought Everton were in big trouble but after being at Goodison yesterday I think Everton will stay up.”
Refusal
Collectively the weekend saw the football club and the support come together to drag themselves over the line on an absolutely crucial day.
After being the difference in a number of home games already, the fans played an even bigger part than normal both in the lead up to the game and during.
Whether it was sporting or fair to target the Chelsea squad’s hotel with fireworks on Saturday night (30 April), or keep balls from getting back onto the pitch, won’t bother anyone who wants to see the Toffees in the Premier League next year.
Even Keane couldn’t totally decry what Sky colleague Jamie Carragher termed “the antics from Everton” with survival on the line.
But aside from all the extracurricular stuff, the actual performance from the players was far superior to so many occasions this season.
Pickford will have earned even some Chelsea fans’ grudging respect for his desperate save from Cesar Azpilicueta, and for putting himself on the line to block an Antonio Rudiger blast with his face soon after.
It’s all hands on deck around Goodison at the moment, and Sunday’s game showed what everyone is working to protect.
And still two points from safety it has to be the same until the end of the season to keep the Toffees in the top flight.
In other Everton news, another Sky Sports pundit sees no future at the club for an “experienced” member of the first team past the end of the season.