Jordan Pickford has admitted to the Everton club website that Rafa Benitez’s quad were particularly frustrated to concede three goals against Manchester City during Sunday’s loss.
The Toffees’ losing streak against the Citizens reached nine games across all competitions at the weekend. They have also failed to win in their last 12 visits to the Etihad Stadium.
Everton have additionally conceded three or more in six of their last nine meetings with Manchester City. After Raheem Sterling, Rodri and Bernardo Silva beat Pickford on Sunday.
The City clash marked six games without a Premier League win for Everton this season, too. While conceding three or more for the third time after defeats to Aston Villa and Watford.
Pickford knew Everton were in for a challenging afternoon against Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola’s side strive to defend their latest Premier League title.
But the performance from the Goodison Park natives frustrated the Toffees’ dressing room come full-time at the Etihad.
“You know you are up against it at City,” Pickford said. “They are a top side and won the title and reached the Champions League final last season.
“We conceded three, which we were not happy about, and didn’t convert our counter-attacking opportunities, or get a shot on target to hurt Ederson.
“The manager sets you up every week and you trust that plan, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
“We have to move forward, let the dust settle and work hard all week. We need to be calm and refresh for Brentford on Sunday.”
Pickford and Everton have reasons for frustration after Manchester City defeat
Manchester City beat Pickford with two real moments of quality from Sterling and Rodri, before Silva rounded out the scoring against Everton on Sunday.
Pickford had to be alert to deny Sterling a second from point-blank range, as well, after his England teammate had already turned home a sweet half-volley on the cusp of half-time.
The goalkeeper scurried across his six-yard box and made himself big, after City played in behind the Toffees with ease. While static defending allowed Silva a chance to tap home.
So, there were reasons for Everton and Pickford to be frustrated at the goals they allowed at Manchester City. However, there was little more the £25m goalkeeper could have done to deny Rodri from lashing in from 25-yards after failing to clear Phil Foden’s initial cross.
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