Former Liverpool man and curent pundit Steve McManaman believes Everton’s Jordan Pickford “should have saved” Ruben Neves’ free kick in the 2-2 draw with Wolves on what was the first game of the season for the clubs.
The BT co-commentator made his thoughts clear about the England number one and felt the shot stopper could have done a lot better in preventing the equaliser.
The goal proved to be costly as the Toffees were held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves at Molineux, despite playing with ten men for the majority of the match.
McManaman said while commentating on BT Sport’s coverage of the clash, as quoted by the Express: “Brilliant free kick by Ruben Neves but the goalie should have saved it.
“Jordan Pickford’s gambling behind the wall, moving to his right. It’s gone to the goalkeeper’s side as far as I’m concerned.
“Great free kick but it’s gone nowhere near the wall. Pickford goes right, can’t get back. Hops right, can’t go left.
“That’s not in the corner, that should be in catching range that. Wolves are back in the game.”
OPINION
Everton were hard done by a debatable refereeing decision immediately before the free kick took place as Phil Jagielka was given a straight red card for what looked like a strong tackle on Wolves’ Diego Jota. The challenge resulted in Neves’ goal and Pickford should have done a lot better to prevent the strike. The Toffees goalkeeper showed his qualities for England at the World Cup but will not want to watch any replays of the incident. The step towards his right has cost Pickford and if he had the other way, it is likely that the attempt would have been kept out and Everton could have held on for an impressive victory at Molineux. Pickford will have a lot chances to redeem himself over the course of Everton’s season and must forget about what could have been. All Premier League fans know he is a talented young goalkeeper who can only continue to develop for an Everton squad who have also improved during the transfer window.