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‘Useless’, ‘Er, what?’ – Ex-pro’s praise of Everton duo missed the mark with many fans

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Jordan Pickford and Bernard were singled out for their efforts in Saturday’s win over Watford by BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks, but the former Manchester United striker’s praise missed the mark with some Everton supporters.

Marco Silva’s Toffees edged to a one-nil victory at home to his former Hornets side over the weekend, with Brazilian midfielder Bernard scoring the only goal of the game in the tenth minute following a pinpoint accurate pass by Lucas Digne.

The defensive efforts of Digne, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman also ensured the Blues maintained our 100 per cent clean sheet record in the Premier League this season, the only side to boast such a feat.

For Crooks, though, Pickford’s efforts between the sticks on Saturday were only just ‘good enough’ to warrant the goalkeeper slot in his Team of the Week, and highlighted his match-winning save against Troy Deeney as a reason why the Three Lions number one deserved his selection.

“This wasn’t the most scintillating performance by Jordan Pickford against Watford, but it was good enough,” he wrote.

“I selected the England goalkeeper for his match-winning save from a Troy Deeney power-driver that hit him full in the face – although I’m not sure he knew a lot about it.”

Crooks was more assured about his inclusion of Bernard in the XI, as he compared the Brazilian with Alan Ball after an energetic performance on the wings at Goodison Park.

“This was a performance reminiscent of Everton legend the late, great Alan Ball,” he added. “Bernard was full of energy and ingenuity. All 5ft 4in of him ran the show at Goodison Park against Watford.

“Everton currently lie eighth in the table with Bournemouth above them after two games. The problem with Everton is managing expectations.

“Should the Toffees finish in the top six, then their manager survives. Anything short of that, then Everton’s fans will start asking their usual questions. It’s unfortunate for Marco Silva that Liverpool are doing so well, but that’s what this is all about.”

Crooks comments did not sit well with the Goodison Park faithful, though, with many questioning the foundations the former Tottenham Hotspur attacker built his claims on.

Others suggested players like Digne deserved to be included alongside Pickford and Bernard in his best eleven of matchday two, with the Blues duo joined by Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu and James Maddison, Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Sadio Mane, Arsenal’s Dani Ceballos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, Sheffield United’s Jack O’Connell and Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki.

Here’s how these Everton supporters reacted to Crooks’ Premier League Team of the Week for matchday two…

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