‘Heard you loud and clear’ – Jordan Pickford sends message to Everton fans after opening day loss
Jordan Pickford has sent an ardent response to the Everton support after a woeful performance in their defeat to Leeds.
A brutal James Tarkowski handball decision had David Moyes raging, but led to a decisive penalty for Leeds United as they prevailed in a 1-0 victory.
Moyes side looked completely off their game as Everton were peppered by the Peacocks as Daniel Farke’s boys surmounted attack after attack throughout the game.
New Everton signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was one of the silver linings of the night as the former Chelsea midfielder tried to make things happen in the number 10 role.
Pickford was also the focus of the cameras as he tried to guess where Lukas Nmecha would go with his penalty with information on his water bottle.
The Englishman went the right direction, but ultimately fell short as the German stroked the ball into the bottom right corner.
Jordan Pickford lets Everton fans know that their presence was felt against Leeds
The day after the defeat, the ex-Sunderland shot stopper took to Instagram stories (19 August) to make a clear statement of intent to the Toffees fans.
In an image of the England international sending a ball up the pitch, Pickford wrote: “Thanks to all the travelling fans last night. Heard you loud and clear.”
He ended the caption with a blue heart as he eluded to the likely frustrations and support the away support shouted throughout the match.
David Moyes has his back up against the wall to get Everton’s season back on track
Football Insider verdict
Alongside West Ham, the Toffees were one of the worst sides on the opening weekend of the Premier League, looking toothless and stagnant in attack.
After the second coming of Moyes, I was shocked by the shambolic display last night as the blue half of Merseyside were battered by a buoyant Leeds outfit.
Hopeful long balls and a reliance on set-pieces, the Evertonians were devoid of ideas and completely uninspiring.
| Everton v Leeds (18 August) | |
| Possession % | 46% |
| Expected goals xG | 0.80 |
| Shots | 7 |
| Big chances | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 2 |
When the Scotsman first came back to Goodison Park, there was a feel-good factor following the dire negative football of Sean Dyche.
This feeling has seemingly already disappeared as the former Man United manager looks to make do with a strapped up squad.
Facing a confident Brighton side next, it could be another defeat on the cards for Everton, who need to quickly turn their form around if they are to receive the forgiveness of their passionate fans.