Jordan Pickford has apologised to Everton supporters for his role in Liverpool’s dramatic last-gasp winner in Sunday’s thrilling Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Both clubs appeared set for a share of the points in the sixth minute of added time when Virgil van Dijk’s heavily mis-hit shot looped high into the air and bounced off the top of Pickford’s crossbar twice before falling perfectly for substitute Divock Origi, who bundled it over the line.
Pickford revealed after the match that he attempted to tip the ball out for a corner, but a combination of the bar and the spin on the ball kept it in play to set up Liverpool’s bizarre winner.
“I will say sorry to the Everton fans again, because I know how much it means to them,” said the 24-year-old, who also went over to apologise to the visiting supporters at the final whistle.
“As players, we know how much it means to us. Look, you make mistakes every now and again. The ball spun and as I tried to flick it over, my hand hit the bar. I think it is the Everton luck when we come to Anfield.
“It's not something you can learn and train and get better from. It's just a freak incident. You move on and get better.
“There is always a case as a goalkeeper...if you make an error it will lead to a goal. Unfortunately, it has been me today. There's nothing I can do about it now. I'm strong mentally and I will get over it.
“I will be ready for Newcastle on Wednesday. We know we held our own against a good Liverpool side for 96 minutes.”
Origi’s winner extended Everton’s miserable run at Anfield – they have not won at the home of their city rivals since September 1999 – but Pickford insisted that he is determined not to dwell on their latest setback heading into a packed festive fixture schedule.
“I don't sleep well after many games, really, but we have got a game on Wednesday [against Newcastle] and I will show people what I can do,” he added.
“You can't practise what happened there in training. You just have to get on with it and I will show you my character.”
