Owen Sanders
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has maintained a stoic stance following his side’s latest penalty disappointment, insisting they must “focus on themselves” despite another controversial VAR decision at Fulham.
The Blues remain the only Premier League team yet to be awarded a penalty this season, and their wait extended after Antonee Robinson’s apparent handball on the goal-line went unpunished despite VAR review. However, Pickford refused to dwell on the officiating, preferring to praise his team’s battling spirit.
“I’m not a referee and I’m not in that room for the VAR,” Pickford stated. “We’ve just got to focus on ourselves. You get decisions given and you get decisions against you, but it’s just about us for 90 plus minutes.”
His focus instead remains on his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to adapt with numerous injuries and players deployed in unfamiliar roles.
“There’s always going to be bumps in the road,” Pickford acknowledged. “But the lads have shown togetherness and work ethic. We adapt, and everyone’s giving their all for the badge.”
Despite the frustrating draw, Pickford pointed to the positives, including a clean sheet – a marked improvement in their away form compared to previous seasons. He also remained confident in his own role as a leader and motivator, despite the ongoing challenges.
“I just play my game and try to help others,” Pickford concluded. “That’s what I’ve always done. I keep trying to learn and get better.”
While Pickford and Everton may lament the lack of penalty calls, their focus now shifts to maintaining their improved away form and overcoming setbacks through collective effort and resilience.
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