JORDAN PICKFORD is starting on the bench in Everton’s clash against Newcastle this afternoon after being dropped from the Toffees’ starting line-up.
It is the first time the England ace, who has struggled in goal and injured Virgil van Dijk in October, has been dropped from his club’s starting eleven in 120 Premier League games.
Jordan Pickford has started on the bench for Everton for the first time in 120 Premier League gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Everton’s No2 stopper Robin Olsen, 30, has been drafted in to replace Pickford with the Toffees aiming to bounce back from defeat to Southampton last Sunday.
And Goodison Park boss Carlo Ancelotti insists the Three Lions keeper, 26, has been left out for ‘a technical reason’ and a decision to give him ‘a rest’.
Pickford’s omission has followed a dip in form which has seen the Everton star concede nine goals in just six Premier League appearances this term.
The tally of goals, all netted from outside of the box, is currently the highest number conceded in the Prem.
The England goalie has struggled to keep opposing sides from netting in the early stages of this season.
High profile errors include a mistake against Brighton which led to a Neal Maupay goal during Everton’s 4-2 win against the Seagulls.
Pickford’s last clean sheet came on the first day of the season during Everton’s impressive 1-0 away against Tottenham.
Jordan Pickford has conceded nine goals in six Premier League games so far this termCredit: AFP or licensors
The under-fire stopper’s current struggles between the sticks have been compounded by him injuring Virgil van Dijk during a tough-tackling Merseyside derby.
Although the Toffees keeper escaped punishment he has faced some harsh words for the challenge from pundits and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
And the England player has been forced to hire bodyguards to watch over his home after he and his wife were on the receiving end of death threats from football fans.
England star Pickford was criticised for injuring Virgil van Dijk during Everton’s 2-2 draw against LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
Merseyside Police revealed they are currently investigating tweets directed at Pickford and his team-mate Richarlison — who received a red card for his tackle on Thiago during the October Merseyside derby.
Pickford and his team-mates, who face a potentially tricky encounter against Manchester United on Saturday, are currently second in the Prem.
It remains to be seen whether the keeper will regain his starting spot with Ancelotti eager to provide the England star with competition between the sticks.
Jordan Pickford facing uncertain Everton future with Carlo Ancelotti not convinced he has future at club after huge mistakes
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
