“What Jordan Pickford Did Before Kickoff Has Newcastle Fans Fuming
Jordan Pickford Silences Newcastle Critics with Commanding Performance at St James’ Park
Once again, Jordan Pickford found himself at the heart of the action against Newcastle United—but this time, the Everton goalkeeper owned the moment, turning jeers into fuel and controlling the narrative with poise and precision.
Despite Everton’s 1-0 victory courtesy of a Carlos Alcaraz goal, it was Newcastle who secured Champions League qualification.
Yet as the final whistle sounded at St James’ Park, it was the traveling Everton supporters whose voices rang loudest.
High up in the Leazes End, they serenaded their goalkeeper with a passionate version of his chant: “He hates Newcastle, he hates the s*e, Jordan Pickford is dynamite.”
Now firmly in control of the pantomime villain role, Pickford has become a master of winding up the Newcastle faithful—seemingly with ease.
Unlike earlier in his career—most notably the infamous 2019 meltdown that helped Newcastle come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2—Pickford no longer lets the hostile atmosphere affect him.
Instead, he set the tone from the outset. Calm and composed, Pickford strolled to the center circle for the pre-match coin toss, confidently won it, and cheekily forced Newcastle to attack toward the Gallowgate End—an early psychological blow in a match full of them.
The England number one delivered a top-class performance, not just with his leadership but also with his shot-stopping.
Pickford pulled off a series of outstanding saves, notably denying Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak on multiple occasions.
His assured presence and agility frustrated the home side time and again.
In a display of composure and quality, Pickford reminded everyone—especially his critics—why he remains one of the finest goalkeepers in Europe. Even the most loyal Toon Army supporter had to grudgingly acknowledge the brilliance of his performance.
