Paul Merson reacts to ‘horrible’ moment in Everton win vs Newcastle United
Paul Merson felt sorry for Everton keeper Jordan Pickford as Jacob Ramsey’s deflected effort flew past him at St James’ Park in the Toffees’ 3-2 win.
The England international was breached by the attacking midfielder in the first half as Newcastle United levelled the scoreline on 32 minutes.
Beto may have put the Toffees back in front two minutes later, but that didn’t take away from Pickford’s frustration after the ball cannoned in off Jarrad Branthwaite.
The defender couldn’t do anything about it, and Merson was left feeling sorry for the keeper on Sky Sports News after Ramsey found the net.
He said: “It takes a deflection and it’s bang unlucky for Pickford. Hall plays in Joelinton, who plays in Tonali.
“It’s a brilliant ball to Ramsey on the edge of the box. As he hits it, it takes a horrible deflection. But what a ball by Tonali.“
Jordan Pickford wrongfooted by Jacob Ramsey strike vs Newcastle
The Toffees put in a mighty shift against the Magpies as their lack of possession meant that plenty of defensive focus was needed.
That is exactly what they got as the likes of James Tarkowski and Branthwaite were brilliant in the middle of defence to cut off a route to goal for Eddie Howe’s men.
There was only that one moment of frustration when Ramsey was able to wheel away in celebration as he ran back to the halfway line to go again.
The ex-Aston Villa man found himself in a superb position to get a shot away after being picked out by Tonali with an excellent pass.
After the ball cannoned off Branthwaite, there was no chance for Pickford as his feet were left in a total tangle at St James’ Park.
Pickford bound to be gutted with missing out on Everton clean sheet
The Blues have a largely positive defensive record in the Premier League, and the English keeper has plenty to do with that.
Pickford has kept nine clean sheets this campaign and will have been hopeful of keeping one against his boyhood rivals in Newcastle.
The Sunderland fan didn’t get that sort of luck as Branthwaite’s effort to block the ball gave him no chance.
He felt a similar level of frustration when Jacob Murphy’s volley went in after Idrissa Gueye got in the way, causing further annoyance at St James’.
There is no doubt that Pickford was fuming to have conceded two, even if his side secured a massive away win.
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