Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford loves playing the pantomime villain against Newcastle United.
Jordan Pickford of Everton celebrates after Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jordan Pickford of Everton celebrates after Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Toffees won 3-2 at St James’ Park and had Pickford to thank in stoppage time as he dived to tip Sandro Tonali’s ferocious volley onto the crossbar.
As a boyhood Sunderland fan, Pickford relishes the role of playing the pantomime villain against Newcastle, so he will no doubt take the award as another mini win over the Magpies.
Speaking about the save at the time, the Washington-born goalie said: “We talk about moments in games and to win games. Tonali has hit an absolute rocket and to get my hand on it... I know it’s not top corner but the reactions.
“Initially, I think it’s a great clearance from Keano, he gets right through the ball and Tonali has just caught it absolutely sweet. But the reaction time from probably going over Tarky’s [James Tarkowski] head to saving it and it hitting the bar, it felt good.”
Meanwhile, Tonali admitted to congratulating the England international over his save.
The Italian said: “Yes, the save was great! It bothers me a little but, ultimately, when a player does something great, you have to tell him.
“You can't beat around the bush. I congratulated him straight away after the match: he did something that rarely happens. I may have made one of the best shots of my life, it was definitely the best save against me.”
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