How Joe Hart responded to Jordan Pickford critics after Everton defeat vs Chelsea
Joe Hart was quick to defend Jordan Pickford after Everton lost 2-0 against Chelsea.
The England international has faced some negative reviews this season at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
There can't really be too many complaints as he could be deemed to have cost the Toffees precious points.
That was seen against Hull City as he arguably should have done better from Mohamed Belloumi's strike.
He got down to the ball and got a big hand to it before allowing it to bounce into the net.
The same criticism has been fired at Pickford in the Chelsea defeat on Saturday, forcing Hart to speak out.
What has Joe Hart said about Jordan Pickford vs Chelsea?
There weren't many clear-cut chances for either side as the Stamford Bridge outfit travelled to Merseyside.
It has to be said that when they came, Pedro Neto was quick to take them.
The Portuguese winger bagged a brace to seal all three points for Xabi Alonso.
Pickford didn't cover himself in glory for the first as he once again got a hand to the strike before it found the net.
That hasn't gone down well with the Merseyside faithful, but Hart has taken to Match of the Day to explain the inner workings.
He said: "I know there's going to be questions when it comes to Jordan Pickford when this goal goes in, but there's so much to deal with as a goalkeeper. He squares up, he sees Hato. Can he intercept the cut-back or can he stop him from scoring?
"No he can't so he turns. This is Jordan Pickford's view, should he be further over? No, he can't be because Mykolenko is in his way. As he flies at the ball, he makes a decision to dive to his left and it looks a bit inconsistent.
"It goes under his hand there. As he gets set, he has a big decision to make, he thinks Neto is going to go big to his right hand side. He's blind, now he sees it. His hand is already in the position and in that second, he has to jam his hand down and he doesn't get the timing right.
"It doesn't look good, but there's so many reasons. That's the Premier League, you can end up with egg on your face."
The Englishman ultimately afforded Chelsea the lead, but how did he perform overall?
The numbers behind Pickford in Everton vs Chelsea
If the 32-year-old hadn't of made another save, the above moment would have been a true blow.
That wasn't the case as the keeper still managed to put up four saves despite conceding two.
He also registered one punch, three throws, one clearance and seven recoveries on the day.
There was also positivity to take with the ball at his feet having put up 17 accurate passes.
Pickford added to that with five successful long balls.
This is all well and good, but it does feel as though one moment cost him dearly just seconds into the second half.
If the shot-stopper gets a firmer hand to Neto's effort, it could have been a different day for the Toffees.
Hart has justified the goal and will hope that can satisfy the Merseyside faithful, although I'm not sure it will.