Everton v Brighton clash: Ref slammed over Jordan Pickford ‘punch’ on Van Hecke
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford got lucky after he “punched” Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke thanks to a refereeing “nightmare” from Tim Robinson, according to Clinton Morrison.
The English goalkeeper was part of the Everton side that beat Brighton 1-0 (25 January) in a hard-earned victory at the Amex Stadium.
Despite the win there will have been major concerns for manager David Moyes, after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was subbed on the 13th minute.
In the 87th minute, Pickford attempted to punch a corner clear, but instead made contact with Brighton defender Van Hecke.
Referee Robinson gave a free-kick to Everton, something that disappointed former Crystal Palace forward, Morrison, who said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (4.59pm): “Tim Robinson’s having a nightmare to be fair, the referee today, he’s not been the best. I usually think he’s one of the best referees.
“Every decision that he’s giving at the moment is not a foul. He’s given a foul there on Jordan Pickford and Pickford’s punched Van Hecke, then obviously he’s gone down [claiming] that he’s been injured and it’s not a foul. It’s one of his own players that’s caught him.
“So he’s not had the best of afternoons, but I tell you who has had a good afternoon, the whole of the Everton team because they’ve been outstanding to a man.”
Everton ace Pickford will be key for survival hopes this season
Football Insider Verdict
With Moyes returning for second stint in charge at Goodison Park, the former Man United manager will be relying on his dressing room leaders to step-up on the pitch.
Despite the problems the Toffees have had in recent years, Pickford has been a model professional and one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Playing with some questionable defenders in front of him, Pickford remains his club and countries number one choice in net.
The former Sunderland goalkeeper will now have some defensive support, as Jarrad Branthwaite has returned from injury and put in a composed performance against the Seagulls.
Moyes could look to strengthen his backline in the January transfer window, as the Toffees have been linked with a move for Kyle Walker-Peters.
Further up the pitch, Marcus Edwards has been linked with a return to the Premier League as a more attacking option for Everton in the January transfer window.
In other news, the sale of one Everton striker may facilitate the signing of a new forward this January.
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