Jordan Pickford has given a frank assessment on Anthony Gordon’s penalty miss.
The Everton goalkeeper denied his one-time club teammate by saving a late first-half spot kick during Saturday’s Premier League stalemate with Newcastle United.
His heroics fired up the Goodison Park crowd as Sean Dyche’s side claimed a point in what is likely to be Gordon’s last-ever visit to his former stomping ground.
But Pickford believes that the Kirkdale-born winger will be ‘disappointed’ with his effort in front of the Gwladys Street End as both teams had to settle for a point.
He said: “It was an alright penalty save.
“It wasn’t a great pen from Ant, I would say. I think he will be disappointed.
“But I’ve got to back myself and go the right way which I did.
“When we play [together] for England and Ant has been here before, he’s executed pens perfectly.
“I fancied it tonight and luckily I went the right way.”
The Blues headed into their clash with the Magpies facing a defensive injury crisis with Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko sidelined in the run-up to the game.
Michael Keane stepped in for the centre-back while James Garner deputised at right-back in order to allow Ashley Young to cover Mykolenko on the opposing flank.
“I think that’s why everyone has to be at their best because opportunities come [at any time],” said Pickford.
“Jarrad had an excellent end to the season last season and he came in last week and did quality but then picked up a little knock.
“Keano has to come back in and take his chance, he did tonight. I thought Keano did mint. That’s the squad mentality – everyone has to step in.
“Jimmy Garner was unbelievable at right back, doing jobs for the team.
“It’s about the badge more than anything.”