Jordan Pickford reveals how he KNEW where Newcastle star Anthony Gordon was putting his penalty, after Everton keeper produced stunning save to deny former team-mate from the spot
Jordan Pickford has revealed how he knew where Anthony Gordon was going to place his penalty in Everton’s stalemate with Newcastle.
The Magpies were awarded a spot kick for a second consecutive week when James Tarkowski dragged down Sando Tonali inside the box on the half hour mark.
Gordon stepped up to take it in Alexander Isak’s absence but saw his effort saved by former Toffees team-mate Pickford, who dived to his left.
The England international goalkeeper says he knew where Gordon was going to place the penalty once it was awarded.
‘I watched the game last week and and he reversed it against Ederson and the one before he went the same way so I fancied him going keepers left, so i told Ross today that I’m going to go keeper’s left which I did,’ Pickford told Sky Sports
‘(It)hit me off my knee. I don’t think Ant executed it to perfection and he’ll be disappointed but i’m there to make the save and that’s what i done.’
Anthony Gordon’s first half penalty was saved as Everton draw 0-0 with Newcastle
Jordan Pickford says he knew where his former Toffees team-mate was going to place it
Asked whether it helps playing against a former team-mate, he added: ‘Not really, take try and double bluff each other and I’ve got the better of him tonight.
‘Pleased because it’s a big moment in the game and it managed to keep us a draw and we move forward.
Pickford and Gordon were seen conversing shortly after the game ended and the former revealed what they talked about.
‘He just asked me why did i go that way and i just said you went right the last twice so i fancied you going left which I did,’ Pickford said.
‘I back myself on pens and i think it’s my first one for Everton in a while. It’s pleasing, it’s a clean sheet and we build on that.’
Pickford and Gordon were seen conversing shortly after the game at Goodison Park
The draw at Goodison Park has ensured Everton stay clear of the relegation, with Sean Dyche’s side two points clear of 18th-placed Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have missed an opportunity to go into the top four following a second straight draw.
