The former Sunderland goalkeeper appeared to let chants from the fans impact his play during Newcastle’s 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday. Alan Shearer, a Newcastle United icon, criticized Jordan Pickford’s performance on Saturday during Everton’s defeat to Newcastle. United rallied from 2-0 down to defeat Everton 3-2 on Saturday, keeping a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
The former Sunderland goalkeeper was at fault for Newcastle’s second goal and appeared to engage with Magpies fans much too frequently. After hauling down Salomon Rondon in a challenge more commonly seen at Kingston Park than St James’ Park, the 25-year-old avoided a red card. He subsequently saved Matt Ritchie’s penalty and celebrated in front of the Leazes End.
In the second half, he infuriated the Gallowgate End by sticking his tongue out and waving to fans behind the goal after a Rondon effort went wide. It even continued as he walked down the tunnel, with the England international jokingly giving a supporter ‘outside’ and winking. Shearer has also labeled Pickford’s behavior as ‘stupid’ and ‘bizarre’, criticising him for getting carried away in the scenario.
“I was at Newcastle to watch a very strange performance from England keeper Jordan Pickford,” Shearer wrote in The Sun. “In fact, it was stupid at times. He should have been sent off for his rugby tackle on Salomon Rondon and I’m still not sure why he wasn’t. But he simply got carried away and involved in things he shouldn’t have been. He let the crowd and occasion get to him. Pickford should know as an ex-Sunderland player he will get stick from Newcastle fans.”
But then he wants to get involved with gestures and grins. “It’s a ridiculous and bizarre way of behaving when he should be focusing on keeping the ball out.” Pickford has been England’s number one for the past year, but Shearer believes his status is under threat after his performances this season.
“I’m scared about him in England right now. He performed exceptionally well throughout the World Cup in Russia and deserves to wear the shirt.He attempts to make even routine saves appear amazing. Everything appears to be an issue. “He’s not a kid anymore. There comes a point when you need to perform the simple things correctly. “Gareth Southgate will reveal the England squad on Wednesday, and Pickford is having a difficult season.
