In a recent match filled with tension, Jordan Pickford shared an intriguing insight into his thought process during a pivotal moment against Newcastle.
With the game hanging in the balance, Everton found themselves in a nail-biting standoff with the Magpies.
Penalty Drama
The drama unfolded when the referee awarded Newcastle a penalty for the second week in a row, following an incident where James Tarkowski brought down Sando Tonali in the box.
Anthony Gordon, stepping up in the absence of Alexander Isak, faced the challenge of taking the spot kick.
However, his shot was thwarted by none other than his former Everton teammate, Pickford, who expertly dove to his left to make the save.
Pickford’s Prediction
After the match, Pickford explained how he had a strong feeling about where Gordon would aim his penalty.
“I watched the game last week, and he went to the right against Ederson, and the time before that, he went the same way,” he recalled in an interview with Sky Sports.
“So, I figured he’d go to the keeper’s left this time, and that’s exactly where I decided to dive.”
Despite the save hitting his knee, Pickford acknowledged that Gordon might not have executed the kick as well as he had hoped.
“I don’t think Ant executed it to perfection and he’ll be disappointed, but I was there to make the save, and that’s what matters,” he added.
The Mind Games of Teammates
When asked if facing a former teammate gives him an advantage, Pickford chuckled.
“Not really, we try to double bluff each other. I just happened to get the better of him tonight,” he remarked.
He expressed satisfaction, recognizing the save as a crucial moment that helped secure the draw for his team, allowing them to move forward positively.
Post-Match Chat
After the final whistle, Pickford and Gordon were seen chatting, and Pickford revealed what they discussed.
“He just asked me why I went that way. I told him, ‘You went right the last two times, so I figured you’d go left,’ and that’s exactly what happened,” he shared.
Pickford felt proud of his performance, noting, “I back myself on penalties, and I think this is my first one for Everton in a while. It’s a pleasing moment, especially with a clean sheet. Now, we can build on that.”
Looking Ahead
The draw at Goodison Park keeps Everton safely out of the relegation zone, maintaining a two-point cushion above 18th-placed Crystal Palace.
For Newcastle, however, this was another missed chance to break into the top four after two consecutive draws.
With both teams looking to improve, the upcoming matches promise to be just as exciting.
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