Jordan Pickford breaks silence on Everton wonder save with subtle Newcastle United dig
Jordan Pickford pulled off a wonder save to inflict a third straight Premier League defeat on Newcastle United.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has hailed his late save against Newcastle United as the best of his career.
Joelinton’s cross was headed away by James Tarkowski but only as far as Sandro Tonali, whose flying volley was somehow fingertipped onto the crossbar by Pickford in the 94th minute.
The wonder save ensured the Toffees left St James’ Park with all three points, having opened the scoring through Jarrad Branthwaite before immediately re-taking the lead through Beto and Thierno Barry after Jacob Ramsey and Jacob Murphy equalised for the Magpies.
Jordan Pickford’s social media dig at Newcastle United?
The Sunderland-born ‘keeper is always one for flexing against Newcastle when he sees fit and he celebrated his save with a muscle celebration in front of the Gallowgate End.
Pickford uploaded a photo of his celebration to Instagram with the caption: “Another day at the office. Always ready to go🧨😮💨”
It felt like a subtle dig at Newcastle, especially the use of the dynamite emoji. A chant by Everton fans, one that could be loudly heard at St James’ Park on Saturday, referred to Pickford being “dynamite” and hating the Magpies.
Jordan Pickford: Newcastle United save was my best ever
But staying professional during his post-match interview, Pickford said: “We knew going 3-2 up, Newcastle were always going to fight until the final whistle. Great header from Keano [Michael Keane] and I think that’s my best [ever] save that I’ve done.
“We talk about moments in games and to win games. Tonali has hit an absolute rocket and to get my hand on it... I know it’s not top corner but the reactions.
“Initially, I think it’s a great clearance from Keano, he gets right through the ball and Tonali has just caught it absolutely sweet. But the reaction time from probably going over Tarky’s [James Tarkowski] head to saving it and it hitting the bar, it felt good.”
Newcastle United’s Premier League struggles continue
While Pickford’s save grabbed most of the national headlines, the reality for Newcastle is their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season are fading by the week.
With 10 matches to play, Eddie Howe’s side sit 12th in the Premier League table, 12 points below the top five and seven points behind seventh place Brentford.
“Certainly in relation to the Premier League, our form for a while has not been strong enough, it's not been good enough,” Howe admitted. “We know that, we take responsibility for that. It's been really frustrating for us and that is the perils of Europe, I'm afraid.
“We've tried to be laser-focused on every game and give attention to every game with the same importance but with the deluge of games, your focus can be swayed.
“Our Premier League return in recent weeks has been nowhere near the level it has been historically. Our home form has been so reliable for us, it's tailed off. We've got to try and grab that back as quickly as possible.
“We love playing here, we want this to be our place where we pick up the most points, where the players feel free to play and through our own performances that hasn't been the case.”