Jordan Pickford was the centre of attention at St James’ Park the other week.
He should’ve been sent off by Lee Mason, then amazingly saved the penalty he had given away. When Salomon Rondon narrowly put an effort wide in the second half, Pickford could be seen goading the Newcastle fans.
It looked as though the Sunderland lad was getting the best of the home crowd, but that all changed.
Rafa Benitez’s side were able to come from two goals down to win 3-2, and the England goalkeeper didn’t cover himself in glory.
Our first goal went straight under him, then the equaliser came after Pickford parried Miguel Almiron’s effort right at the feet of Ayoze Perez.
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The Toon Army had the last laugh over Pickford, and he has admitted that the crowd did get to him.
Pickford didn’t handle the crowd pressure
“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,” he told the Guardian.
“But I’m only 25 and, as a learning curve for me, that’s how I can improve. Next time I go there, I won’t be getting involved as much.”
Pickford played the pantomime villain, and it cost his side.
It wasn’t the first time there’s been banter between the former Black Cat and the Newcastle fans, and it won’t be the last.
However, this was the first time that our taunting of Pickford resulted in the goalkeeper cracking.
We all know exactly what is going to happen next time he turns up at St James’ Park. He says he won’t get involved, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Some people just can’t help themselves…