Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Chris Sutton in a circular inset.

Jordan Pickford and Chris SuttonImago and Final Score on BBC Sport

Chris Sutton hits back at what was said about Jordan Pickford in Everton loss vs Arsenal - 'little bit harsh'

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Published on:

24 Oct 2026, 3:56 pm

Jordan Pickford's form was under the spotlight on Final Score as Everton were beaten by Arsenal.

The Gunners earned a 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Ezri Konsa scored his first Arsenal goal in the first half, as Everton made a mess of dealing with a corner.

Gabriel Magalhaes then doubled Arsenal's lead in the second half, as David Moyes' side suffered a second straight defeat.

David Moyes' men were unbeaten prior to losing 2-0 at home to Chelsea last week.

England goalkeeper Pickford faced scrutiny during that game, and was questioned again against the Gunners.

Chris Sutton defends Jordan Pickford as Everton beaten by Arsenal

By his own high standards for Everton, Pickford has certainly seen his form dip in the past few weeks.

He was culpable for Hull City's equaliser in a 2-2 draw with the Tigers a couple of weeks back.

And he did not cover himself in glory as Pedro Neto scored the first of his two goals for Chelsea last week.

Against Arsenal, Pickford and team-mate Harrison Armstrong seem to sort of get in each other's way as Konsa opened the scoring.

Jason Mohammad read out a message at half-time on Final Score, which stated that Pickford looked like an Under-16 goalkeeper, and that they couldn't believe he was England's first choice.

Chris Sutton hit back at that assessment, though, saying: "That's a little bit harsh.

"He's not the tallest, there are taller goalkeepers out there and Arsenal are exceptional at set-pieces, or were last season, and got the first goal from a corner today.

"It was a bit of a coming together with him and Armstrong on the line. It was a little bit messy."

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Jordan Pickford is a concern for Everton

Pickford has been Mr. Reliable for Everton for the best part of the decade.

During his time on the blue half of Merseyside, Pickford has stored up plenty of credit in the bank.

But you can't disguise the fact that his form has been a little patchy in recent weeks, especially those mistakes against Hull and Chelsea.

He did not always convince against Arsenal either, and at a time when Everton are just starting to feel the pressure again a little bit you need your big players to perform.

Pickford is a big character, and he will definitely bounce back, but right now Everton need to see a little more from him.