Andy Gray blames Jordan Pickford for Everton loss v Manchester City as he fumes live on air
Andy Gray has laid the blame on Jordan Pickford after a poor clearance presented the ball to Bernardo Silva as Manchester City went 3-1 up against Everton at Goodison Park on 27 December.
City’s third goal on the night came as the goalkeeper attempted to play his way out of trouble, but the ball was pinged straight at Jarrad Brantwaite who struggled to control it, allowing Silva to knock it in a seal the victory.
Gray claimed Pickford should apologise for his mistake and hold his hands up as it was his fault, and that it would be unfair to expect Branthwaite to do anything with the ball from there.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS [27 December] as shared via their Twitter account, Gray ranted: “[Pickford should] say sorry. Well, it is his fault. He can’t expect Branthwaite to control that when he doesn’t even expect it.”
Mistakes happen
There’s no argument to be made – it was a mistake from Pickford. He gave the ball straight to Bernardo Silva who was able to whip the ball into the empty net. It was a lovely finish, but one that was gifted to him by the goalkeeper’s failure to clear the ball.
The result remained unchanged, whether it’s 2-1 or 3-1 doesn’t make a difference at the end of the day, other than a slight hit to the strong goal difference Everton had built up as a result of their recent run of strong form.
Gray is right, Pickford should apologise for the mistake, but they do happen, especially from goalkeepers trying to play out from the back. Eventually, you get caught, he hasn’t cost them the game, and the frustration is unlikely to linger, everybody just needs to move on.
For England’s number one, it’s a case of resetting and getting back into his flow before the clash with Wolves on 30 December, where he will likely be called upon in an important role yet again to help Dyche’s team return to winning ways.
In other Everton news, Alan Shearer was wowed by one star in the first half.