Newcastle cannot cry over Jordan Pickford reaction - the Everton goalkeeper did what Anthony Gordon could not

Evertonians understandably revelled in their side’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United but Jordan Pickford seemed to enjoy the emphatic victory more than most and can anyone seriously blame him?

This correspondent has got some dear old friends who are Magpies supporters but given the way that significant sections of their fanbase have routinely derided him over the years, they cannot come crying over what happened at Goodison Park. Pickford has always been a bubbly character who wears his heart on his sleeve and combined with former Sunderland connections, the Washington-born player has long been a target for the Toon Army.

Back on March 9, 2019, while being barracked throughout by many in the home crowd, Pickford produced a wild display at St James’ Park. He gave away a penalty for a foul on Salomon Rondon – with opposition manager Rafael Benitez complaining that the Everton player wasn’t sent off – saved the resultant spot-kick from Matt Ritchie but saw his side surrender a 2-0 half-time lead to concede three times in the final 25 minutes and lose the game.

Later that month, while on international duty, England’s number one admitted it had been a chastening experience. Pickford said: “With me being a Sunderland lad, in front of 52,000 Newcastle fans hurling abuse at you for the full game, maybe it did get to me a little bit too much.”

What Jordan Pickford did going down tunnel as Everton keeper has last laugh over angry Newcastle

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Other than having previously played for their local rivals, just why is Pickford targeted so intensely by the Geordie hordes though? Blues supporters have memories like elephants when it comes to former Liverpool players