How Jordan Pickford reacted to chants from Liverpool fans at Anfield in Merseyside derby

Sure! Here’s a rephrased version of the article with a smoother, more professional tone while keeping the original meaning intact:

Jordan Pickford Takes Liverpool Fans’ Taunts in Stride During Another Derby Defeat

Jordan Pickford has often played the role of pantomime villain in the Merseyside derby, at least in the eyes of Liverpool supporters.

The Everton goalkeeper’s infamous challenge on Virgil van Dijk at Goodison Park nearly five years ago resulted in a serious ACL injury for the Dutch defender, and he also escaped punishment for a reckless challenge on Darwin Núñez in last season’s Anfield clash. In 2022, his time-wasting antics during a 2-0 loss at Anfield further inflamed tensions among Reds fans.

Yet, Liverpool supporters also have a more light-hearted memory of Pickford — most notably his misjudged clearance in stoppage time during the 2018 derby, which led to Divock Origi’s dramatic winner and wild celebrations at Anfield.

Pickford Responds Lightly to Liverpool Chants

Back at Anfield on Saturday for Everton’s latest attempt to topple their city rivals, Pickford was again the target of chants from the home crowd. Reds fans cheekily sang, “You couldn’t touch the bar with Jordan Pickford’s arms,” and repeatedly chanted Divock Origi’s name in a nod to his famous late goal.

Despite the mocking, Pickford appeared unfazed. As reported by Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo, the England international took the banter in good humour, applauding the Kop as he made his way to the goalmouth ahead of the second half.

Liverpool Still Have the Upper Hand

Although Pickford kept his composure amid the jeers, it’s unlikely Liverpool fans will quickly forget — or forgive — his past indiscretions, especially the Van Dijk incident. Still, credit is due for how he handled the heckling on the day.

To his credit, Pickford did make a couple of key saves, notably racing off his line to clear the danger as Mohamed Salah bore down on goal. However, he couldn’t prevent Liverpool from securing a 2-0 win — their fifth consecutive Premier League victory to start the season.

Pickford has now kept just one clean sheet in his last six derby appearances and has tasted defeat in five straight Anfield meetings. It’s the first time Liverpool have managed that run at home against Everton since 1937.

While Pickford may have taken the chants with a smile, the result was no laughing matter for him — another Merseyside derby, another loss.