Jordan Pickford in action, Jamie O'Hara in circle.
(Credit: Imago/talkSPORT)
Declan Carr
Tue 19 August 2025 9:15, UK
Jamie O’Hara has called for change after Jordan Pickford’s actions as Everton crashed to defeat at Leeds United on Monday.
David Moyes‘ men were beaten 1-0 by the newly-promoted side at Elland Road on 18 August, as Leeds dominated Everton in terms of possession and shots.
James Tarkowski gave away a controversial penalty in the 84th minute, which was ultimately the difference between the sides.
Pickford could not save Lukas Nmecha’s spot kick, and he has been called out after the clash.
James Tarkowski
Tarkowski was involved in controversial scenes. (Credit: Imago)
O’Hara calls for ban after Pickford antics for Everton
The England number one, Pickford, was spotted looking at a water bottle before the penalty was taken, presumably with information about each Leeds man.
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However, the former Tottenham midfielder left his co-host Jason Cundy baffled with his objection to that research from the Blues’ stopper.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (18 August, 23:14), he said: “Jordan Pickford, the water bottle situation right, he goes to his water bottle, it’s obviously got a lot of information written on it, I’m not having that.
“I think that needs to be knocked on the head, I think it has got to be banned.”
Cundy responded, saying, “What do you mean banned?”
O’Hara riposted: “I think you’ve got to ban anything being written on the water bottles.”
Cundy replied: “What are you on about?”
Pickford has every right to do research
Goalkeepers always use the information on their water bottle when a penalty is awarded; they have every right to do so.
O’Hara’s suggestion that it needs to be banned is ridiculous; then attackers would have even more advantage than they already have from the spot.
A free hit from 12 yards out is easy enough, without taking away one of the only advantages that the goalkeeper has at their disposal.
Pickford has saved 10 of the 66 penalties that he has faced for club and country
Saved two penalties last season – against Erling Haaland and Anthony Gordon
Last penalty save before those was in the 2022/23 season against Leicester star James Maddison
Pickford’s water bottle may not even have had Nmecha on it, as he has not taken a penalty since 2021, when he played for Anderlecht.
It would not be the wildest of ideas, as the dive looked to lack conviction, and Nmecha even suggested that it was a bluff after the match.
He is not typically one of their takers, having just signed, and if the likes of Joel Piroe or Ethan Ampadu had been on the pitch, he would not have been taking it.
We will probably never know whether that was the case, but one thing is for sure: O’Hara’s suggestion is a silly one and should not be seriously considered by football’s lawmakers.
Cundy’s reaction was spot on, as it was a strange claim, and deserved to be treated with such contempt as it was.
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