Carlo Ancelotti defends Jordan Pickford after costly mistake denies Everton victory over Leicester

The England goalkeeper’s error led to Youri Tielemans equalising for the Foxes at Goodison Park

(Getty)

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti leaped to the defence of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after another mistake for the Toffees proved costly in the 1-1 draw against Leicester at Goodison Park.

The hosts grabbed the lead with a stunning finish from James Rodriguez after half an hour but the Colombian’s brilliance was cancelled out when the England No 1 made an error to allow Youri Tielemans to equalise and secure a point for the Foxes.

"The goal I think it was difficult because the view of Jordan was not so good because there were a lot of legs there so he had difficulties to catch that ball and unfortunately they scored," said the Italian.

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"I spoke with the players saying that the point is good if we are able to win on Saturday so we are focused on Saturday but I didn't speak with him (Pickford) directly and I am not going to speak with him. There is no reason."

Ancelotti was satisfied with the draw, especially after his side gave up huge amounts of possession in the second half and were under pressure for most of it.

Jordan Pickford’s error proved costly for Everton (Getty)

A failure to win meant they did not make it back into the top four but the Toffees boss remains upbeat, especially as they have two matches in hand on most of their rivals.

"I think the result is fair and when the result is fair we have to be happy," he added.

"My team competed, we were able to score a fantastic goal with James and then we needed to defend.

"Leicester are a good team with the ball but we defended quite well. After they equalised we had opportunities to win but honestly I think the result is fair."

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was pleased with the way his side reacted to going behind against the run of play and felt with a touch more good fortune they would have left with three points.

"I thought we had a great reaction to going behind. We dominated the game well and had good control," he said.

"You then have to react after a fantastic goal and we are seeing this team learning and developing all the time.

"Particularly the second half we had great dominance in the game, we had speed and attacking intent and by the end we felt we should have won the game with a bit more luck.

"To come back against a team who gave us respect with their line-up and how many defenders they had in the team, performance-wise I'm very pleased.

"First half we were a little bit too precise and maybe trying to score the perfect goal. At half-time I said try to open it up down the sides.

"I enjoyed watching the second half, we were dynamic. We got a well-worked goal and with a bit more luck we could have another one or two."

PA