ENGLAND No 1 Jordan Pickford slammed his “disgusting” blunder in gifting Christian Benteke his first goal for 34 Premier League games as Everton beat Crystal Palace 3-1.
But if Pickford was “disappointed with myself” after Benteke’s shot squirmed in, he was delighted with his “character and mentality” afterwards – as he and the Toffees summed up their fighting spirit under Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford says he might have got his studs caught as his howler let in a temporary equaliser for Palace striker Christian Benteke
Jordan Pickford knew at the time and readily admitted later he should have kept out the low shot from Christian BentekeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Everton defender Michael Keane watches in disbelief as Jordan Pickford fails to keep out the shot from Christian BentekeCredit: AFP or licensors
Everton are now seventh after hovering around the drop zone until Christmas under Ancelotti’s predecessor Marco Silva.
And if honesty is one reason for their rise then Pickford will surely remain a key man.
Leading through Bernard’s volley, Everton were then rocked back after Benteke rolled a right-footer towards the near corner that Pickford let in through his legs.
Asked about the goal by BT Sport, the 25-year-old replied: “Yeah, disgusting.
“It was unfortunate the first goal, disappointed with myself, I think my studs got caught.
“I hold my hands up. It shows my character and mentality, I reset, I didn’t let it affect me.”
That was also true of the Toffees as whole, albeit with more graft than craft.
With Palace op top after that leveller, Everton wrestled back control with Richarlison’s solo goal on 58 minutes.
Pickford then thwarted Benteke’s close-range header, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin stabbed a late clincher.
Benteke insisted the relief of ending his long goalless run was scant consolation as Palace missed out on the point that would have lifted them three places to 11th.
He said: “This was the hardest moment of my career so far in England, so I was happy to score.
“But we didn’t win and we are in a really bad mood.”
Everton star Sidibe delays substitution because he forgot to wear a sock
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
