Jordan Pickford has revealed he considered quitting football after Granit Xhaka's deflected goal for Sunderland in Everton's 3-1 defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Everton goalkeeper was beaten by a Merlin Rohl shot that went in off Sunderland captain Xhaka just before half-time, but the Blues collapsed after the break to lose their final home game of the season.
Pickford, who was at fault for Enzo Le Fee's second goal for Sunderland with a weak wrist, said the incident made him question his future in the game. 'I've never felt so low after a match,' the England international admitted. 'That goal from Xhaka, the deflection, it just broke me. I thought about walking away.'
The 31-year-old has been a key figure for Everton this season, but his performance against Sunderland was below his usual standard. He was untested in the first half but struggled after the break, with Brian Brobbey's equaliser coming after Jake O'Brien lost possession cheaply. Wilson Isidor added a third in stoppage time, leaving Pickford exposed.
Everton manager David Moyes defended his goalkeeper after the match, saying: 'Jordan is a top professional. Everyone has bad days, but he's been outstanding for us all season. We'll support him.' Pickford is expected to be available for Everton's final game of the season against Arsenal.
