Everton: Dermot Gallagher shares Jordan Pickford inevitable after red card claim vs West Ham
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford didn’t deserve to be sent off against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.
During the Toffees’ 2-1 loss at London Stadium on 25 April, the England international and Taty Castellanos had a coming together, with the shot-stopper stepping on the striker’s ankle while making a save.
The Argentine forward’s shot was blocked by the 32-year-old, who then brought him down in the follow-through.
West Ham fans wanted Pickford to see red, but former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has vindicated the officials for not sending the Englishman off, feeling he couldn’t do much about the incident.
David Moyes’ return to London Stadium ended in disappointment for the Merseyside outfit as they look to qualify for Europe.
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Jordan Pickford pivotal in bad Everton patch
Speaking on Sky Sports on 27 April, Gallagher said, “I think this is a tough call for the referee because Pickford’s intention is to make himself as big as possible to get as close to the forward as possible to block the ball to close his angle down. He gets the ball, there’s no doubt about that.
“On his follow-through, he gets the man. I think it’s inevitable he’s going to get the man because there’s nowhere else to go, because he can’t stop himself. But he does get the ball.”
Had Pickford been sent off, the Toffees could have been staring at the prospect of being without him for at least three matches.
| Premier League Statistics | Jordan Pickford |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Saves per game | 2.7 (69%) |
| Goals prevented | 4.10 |
| Penalties saved | 1/4 |
| Average Sofascore rating | 7.04 |
The England international has been influential for the Blues this season, pulling off some magnificent saves and leading the team from the back.
If the Merseyside outfit have any hope of finishing in a European spot, they need the shot-stopper to be at the top of his game in the final four fixtures of the campaign.
Moyes needs his best players to step up to the plate, as the end of the season could determine the mood around L3 in the coming months.
David Moyes can’t allow narrative to build at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Moyes has done a brilliant job since taking over from Sean Dyche, turning Everton from relegation contenders to European hopefuls.
The Scottish manager can’t let the recent displays drown out his good work at the Toffees.
Fans have been wondering whether the 62-year-old head coach has what it takes to succeed at the Blues, but he can’t let that suggestion float for long.
The Friedkin Group must take responsibility for some of the Merseyside outfit’s failings this season, and with the right backing, Moyes certainly has the nous and experience to achieve special things in L3.
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