Jordan Pickford slammed for West Ham issue that has 'hurt Everton all season'
Jordan Pickford did not have his finest moments in Everton's 2-1 loss to West Ham.
The Blues and England number one is considered a reliable operator between the sticks, but that was not the case against the Hammers.
The Toffees thought they had taken a point from the London Stadium contest on 25 April, but Callum Wilson secured three points for the hosts.
Now, Pickford's performances have come under microscope, and it has been claimed that one aspect of his game has been an issue for the whole season, not just against the Irons.
Pickford is safe in his spot as Everton and Three Lions goalkeeper, but he is not immune to criticism, it appears.
What was Pickford slammed for in Everton loss vs West Ham
Pickford will be Everton's goalkeeper for years to come, but one issue was apparent in the defeat to David Moyes' former side.
Liverpool Echo journalist Tony Scott believes that his inability to come off the line and claim balls into the box has probably cost the Merseysiders all season.
Taking to X, he said: "Pickford's reluctance to come off his line has hurt Everton today, and there's a valid argument to say it's hurt Everton all season."
Has Pickford really cost Everton points?
While that aspect of Pickford's game can be criticised, it is unfair to say Pickford has cost the L3 side points this season.
He averages 2.7 saves per game, which works out at a 69 per cent save ratio, per data from Sofascore.
He has kept 11 clean sheets, which has almost definitely helped the Blues to pick up vital points in their chase for European football, rather than costing them.
The 82-cap international also makes 8.1 ball recoveries per game and 1.2 clearances, helping his side to get out of danger when he needs to.
| Pickford's stats this season | Premier League |
| Clean sheets | 11 |
| Saves per game | 2.7 |
| Save percentage | 69% |
| Ball recoveries per game | 8.1 |
| Clearances per game | 1.2 |
| Errors leading to goals | 3 |
He has made three errors leading to goals, but that comes with the territory of being between the sticks, mistakes are going to happen, especially at the top level of the game.
Despite the criticism, Moyes will keep the faith with his number one, rather than throwing Mark Travers or Tom King into the deep end.
Overall, he is a much better goalkeeper than the other options, and one of the best in the division, one poor area of his game does not change that.