Credit: Imago/BBC Match of the Day

James Barker

Sun 15 March 2026 8:40, UK

BBC Match of the Day pundit Joe Hart rushed to the defence of Everton‘s Jordan Pickford for his role in Arsenal’s opening goal at the Emirates on Saturday.

Everton were just minutes away from completing a textbook away performance against Mikel Arteta’s side on Saturday, but suffered late heartbreak in the capital.

Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 89th minute of the game, before Max Dowman made Premier League history by becoming the league’s youngest ever goalscorer to seal the win on 97 minutes.

David Moyes will be devastated at how Everton lost the game to Arsenal, in a what was a result that has dealt a major blow to the Toffees’ European football hopes.

What Joe Hart said about Jordan Pickford in Everton v Arsenal

Pickford has been widely praised for his Arsenal performance, as the England goalkeeper made a number of good saves to keep Arsenal out for the majority of the game.

However, the 32-year-old didn’t cover himself in glory for the Gunners’ first goal of the match, when he attempted an acrobatic dive to palm Dowman’s cross away from danger, but he didn’t get enough on it.

The ball rebounded off Piero Hincapie before rolling into the path of Gyokeres, who tapped home into an open net for the easiest goal he’ll ever hope to score for Arsenal.

However, speaking via BBC Match of the Day, Hart was in no mood to blast Pickford for his misjudgement of the ball, and backed England’s number one to bounce back even better against Chelsea next Saturday.

“I think David Moyes touched on it brilliantly actually, Jordan’s come, he actually gets a tiny little touch, and look, sometimes this touch is enough to take it off someone’s head,” Hart said

“This one hits Hincapie in the chest, over to Gyokeres, and look, that’s not going to stain Jordan Pickford’s season. He’s been absolutely magnificent. He was brilliant today, but unfortunately, he’s got that one wrong.”

Presenter Kelly Cates then asked Hart why he thought Pickford came for the ball in the first place, to which Hart replied: “Because he’s that kind of goalkeeper who wants to help his team.

“He’s one of the main men for Everton, he’s the captain on the day, he’s a top keeper. I hate seeing that (image of Pickford looking frustrated) in the background because he’s been so good this year.

“But, that’s the life of a goalkeeper, and Jordan will accept that, and I’m sure he’ll be brilliant next game.”

Pickford will be easily forgiven for Arsenal error

There aren’t many Everton players who have the amount of credit in the bank that Pickford does.

He’s been a superb and reliable goalkeeper for the Toffees across the duration of his 350 career appearances for the Toffees, and is undoubtedly one of the best in the Premier League.

Pickford has won Everton countless points down the years, and has done so again this season, keeping 10 clean sheets and making some truly spectacular saves in the process.

So, Hart was right not to pile on Pickford for his Arsenal error, as his decision to come out for the ball wasn’t a bad one by any means, he just paid for a slight moment of hesitation before committing to his action.