Macca blames Pickford for Wolves goal

RUBEN NEVES scored a sublime freekick for Wolves in their 2-2 draw with Everton – but should Jordan Pickford have saved the shot?

That’s what BT Sport cocommentator and former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman thought.

Neves grew a reputation of scoring long-range efforts in his debut campaign for Wolves in the Championship last term.

In fact every goal the Portuguese scored was from outside the 18-yard area. And he kept up that record yesterday with a powerful freekick from just outside the box.

Pickford got a hand to it but could not prevent it from going in the top right corner.

And McManaman criticised the England No. 1’s slight movement to his right, which made the save harder.

“Brilliant freekick by Neves but the goalie should have saved it,” he said.

“Jordan Pickford’s gambling behind the wall, moving to his right. It’s gone to the goalkeeper’s side as far as I’m concerned.

“Great freekick but it’s gone nowhere near the wall. Pickford, goes right, can’t get back. Hops right, can’t go left.

“That’s not in the corner, that should be in catching range.

The freekick was awarded after Everton defender Phil Jagielka was sent off for a late tackle on Wolves forward Diogo Jota.

Everton had taken the lead through a debut goal for summer signing Richarlison, who scored his second after halftime to restore the Toffees’ lead.

But Raul Jimenez drew Wolves level again to secure a point in their first game back in the top flight. – Express Newspapers