MOTD pundit blames Jordan Pickford after Everton defeat v Wolves as footage emerges
Ashley Williams has claimed Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford must “take responsibility” for the late goal conceded against Wolves on Saturday (26 August).
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day (26 August) the ex-Swansea and Everton defender suggested that while the defence were not faultless, Pickford should have been more commanding of his box and claimed the ball before Sasa Kalajdzic headed home in the 87th minute.
Following the 1-0 loss, Everton find themselves at the foot of the Premier League after three games played and are yet to score or keep a clean sheet.
On Match of the Day, Williams said: “From Everton’s point of view, it’s a poor goal to concede. A goal kick from Wolves, which Everton don’t win the first touch.
“Idrissa Gueye empties the space a little bit too early, he goes and presses something he doesn’t need to. This then has a knock-on effect on Ashley Young. Branthwaite has to go out and cover the channel. You can see James Tarkowski trying to call Patterson in to cover his back.
“As Neto swings it in, I think Tarkowski can get a little bit closer to Kalajdzic. But from there on out, Jordan Pickford has got to come out and claim that. As a centre-back, you want him to come and claim it.
“From this angle, it’s even more obvious. He starts there, he’s moving backwards instead of forwards, and he’s headed it three or four yards out.
“Late in the game, you want your goalkeeper to deal with that. I think Jordan Pickford has to take responsibility.”
Improvement needed
Everton need to significantly improve their performances for the rest of the season if they want to avoid yet another relegation fight this season.
Something had to budge after Toffees’ game against Wolves with both teams entering the clash without a point on the board. While something did inevitably budge, it was not in Sean Dyche’s favour as Kalajdzic headed home the last heartbreaking header.
Pickford has been a rare standout for Everton over the last few seasons, but even he has regularly found himself in the end of warranted criticism.
Everton’s need for a threat up top is their biggest issue, with seven shots on target against Wolves compared to just two from the visitors.
However, there’s very little Pickford can do about what’s happening on the other end of the pitch, and his late mistake cost his side at least a point and himself a rare clean sheet.
Boos echoed around Goodison Park at full-time as the struggles continue on Merseyside.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit was shocked after what Arnaut Danjuma did against Wolves.