Warnock reacts to Everton star controversy v Chelsea as footage emerges again

Jordan Pickford was lucky not to concede a penalty for his “really dangerous” tackle as Everton drew against Chelsea on Saturday, Stephen Warnock has said.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch (23 December), Warnock slammed the Toffees goalkeeper’s recklessness as he slid in on Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto in the box in the first half of their 0-0 draw.

Pickford was attempting to close down an effort from Gusto on the follow-up from a Chelsea corner, but went feet-first and caught the defender with his only contact on the ball being from the shot itself.

Reacting to the footage, Warnock said: “My big thing with this one is, you are massively endangering a player here.

“When you’ve got the ball at your feet and you’re going to take a shot – you take your foot back. If you’re running at me full speed and go to hit me – if I kick through you, I’m going to break my leg.

“There’s nothing really a striker can do in that position, apart from pulling out as much as you can – it’s a really dangerous tackle from Pickford.”

Jordan Pickford lucky to avoid punishment in Everton v Chelsea

Had either the on-field officials or VAR picked up on Pickford’s wild challenge and acted accordingly, the stopper would not only have conceded a penalty but could have also been given his marching orders.

Pickford did save the last spot-kick he faced – from former team-mate Anthony Gordon against Newcastle – but Blues fans may not have been so confident about Joao Virginia doing the same thing.

However, the England number one remained on the field to see out the Toffees’ second 0-0 draw in successive games, picking up a seventh clean sheet of the season – the most in the Premier League.

Sean Dyche’s defensive setup was a hallmark of the beleaguered club’s survival last term despite two points deductions, and after a rocky start for Pickford and his back four, that form has returned.

Pickford will know better than most that he got lucky to not be punished whatsoever, and despite Dyche having full faith in his goalkeeper, the 53-year-old will want to avoid such controversies in the future.

In other Everton news, Alan Myers hit out at David Ornstein’s comments regarding the hastiness of Dan Friedkin’s takeover.

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