MX23RW : Saturday, February 22 04:44:15| >> :600:1058784:1058784:
Feb 8, 2020 at 12.30pm UK at ​Goodison Park
Attendance: 38,987
Everton
3-1
Crystal Palace
Bernard (18'), Richarlison (58'), Calvert-Lewin (88')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Benteke (51')

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford 'pissed off' by criticism

Jordan Pickford 'pissed off' by criticism
© Reuters
Jordan Pickford's error against Crystal Palace enabled Christian Benteke to score.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has taken a swipe at player-turned-pundit Gary Neville and a host of other critics who he feels "hate" him.

The England number one's mistake, letting Christian Benteke's equaliser slip under him, in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace put the focus back on his individual form after a mixed last 18 months.

Neville criticised him back in September for laughing when 3-1 down to Manchester City, while plenty have been quick to scrutinise Pickford over other perceived failings.

Even some Everton fans have been so frustrated by his lack of consistency they have called for him to be dropped.

Pickford knows he is there to be shot at but believes his position as first-choice for England makes him a particular target.

"I think the press and everybody; the punters – look at Gary Neville – they just want to come for England players," he said.

"Everyone gets stick. Some get a lot more praise than others. That's part of being an England player.

"Everyone hates you, for some reason. I just get on with it. You have got to live with it, you have got to learn. I know what I am capable of and I know what I am good at.

"It is what it is. Look at Joe Hart when he was number one. He got pelters every week.

"You just keep it away from your head as the only person who can sort things out is yourself as an individual, on the pitch and in training.

"It's looking after things on the pitch for Everton that is my main aim. That gets you picked for England.

"It's funny because everyone raves about you when you are with England but then you get back to your club and everyone wants to slate you.

"As a person, I don't let it affect me. But it does p*** you off."

Last season Pickford made four errors which led to goals. He has two in the current campaign.

He accepts he made a mistake for Benteke's goal but felt there were mitigating circumstances.

The fact Richarlison scored soon after to retake the lead and Pickford himself made an excellent point-blank save to deny the Belgium international also took some of the heat off him.

"I've watched the goal. I'm lucky I haven't done my cruciate, to be honest. My foot planted. It was a foot save and I have led with my hand," he added.

"I couldn't get my leg out. It was stuck. It happens. But I am mentally strong. I'm disappointed but it doesn't affect us.

"People probably doubt us week in, week out but I know what I am capable of and I know what I can do.

"I will keep pushing. I have reached a certain level and I don't want to stop."

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rhs 2.0
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool26251061154676
2Manchester CityMan City26173667293854
3Leicester CityLeicester26155654262850
4Chelsea2612594336741
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs2611784334940
6Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2610972824439
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd2610883829938
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2681263532336
9Everton26106103438-436
10Arsenal2671363634234
11Burnley26104123039-934
12Southampton2694133248-1631
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2687112440-1631
14Crystal Palace2679102332-930
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2669113138-727
16Bournemouth2675142640-1426
17Aston Villa2674153450-1625
18West Ham UnitedWest Ham2666143045-1524
19Watford2659122440-1624
20Norwich CityNorwich2646162448-2418

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