Jordan Pickford denied Anthony Gordon from penalty spot as Everton conceded a spot kick against Newcastle
Anthony Gordon missed a golden opportunity to score on his return to Goodison Park after being denied from the spot by Jordan Pickford.
His former teammate went to his left and saved Gordon’s effort with his legs, sparking celebrations across Goodison Park and chants of ‘England’s number one’.
Those same stands had been groaning in frustration minutes earlier as referee Craig Pawson stepped up to the pitchside monitor after a Newcastle corner that appeared to have been dealt with.
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But while the attack caused little fear for Pickford, in front of him James Tarkowski could be seen tussling off-the-ball with Sandro Tonali.
The Premier League matchday centre later explained the reason a penalty was given as a result, writing: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Tarkowski on Tonali is checked by VAR, who recommended an on-field review deeming that this was a non-footballing action. The referee then awarded a penalty to Newcastle United.”
But Everton and Pickford had the last laugh as the keeper won his battle against former Blue Gordon, much to the delight of the home supporters who had already seen VAR overturn an Abdoulaye Doucoure goal for offside.