Liverpool vs Everton: Jordan Pickford explains what he was trying to do in 'freak' mistake

'I think it is the Everton luck when we come to Anfield,' the goalkeeper said

This was the moment Jordan Pickford spilled for the waiting Divock Origi (Reuters)

Jordan Pickford, the Everton goalkeeper, has explained what he was attempting to do in the “freak” moment which led to Divock Origi's stoppage-time Merseyside derby winner.

Origi secured victory for Liverpool in the sixth minute of added-on time after Pickford failed to control Virgil van Dijk’s scuffed attempt as it dropped above his crossbar.

Pickford parried the ball, allowing it to bounce off the crossbar then fall kindly for Origi, who headed home in front of the Kop at point-blank range.

The 24-year-old confirmed that he was trying to tip the ball over the bar rather than catch it, though mis-controlled when his hands hit the crossbar.

“It was a freak one, really. It had hit the bar twice and I tried to flick it over,” he said. “The ball spun and as I tried to flick it over, my hand hit the bar. It’s unfortunate but I am strong mentally and I will be ready for Wednesday [against Newcastle United].”

Everton were searching for their first win at Anfield since 1999 and came close to taking the lead on several occasions, though Pickford’s late fumble left Marco Silva’s side with nothing to show for their efforts.

“I think it is the Everton luck when we come to Anfield,” he said. “Like I say, there’s nowt I can do about it now. I’m strong mentally and I will get over it. I just want to say sorry to the Everton fans.

“I think you could see our progression as a group, the chances we created and the football we played. That’s a positive but what can I do? There is always a case as a goalkeeper if you make an error it will lead to a goal.

“Unfortunately, it has been me today but I will be ready for Newcastle on Wednesday. We know we held our own against a good Liverpool side for 96 minutes.”

Pickford apologised to the travelling Everton supporters after the final whistle and was consoled by Alisson, his Liverpool counterpart.

“I will say sorry to the Everton fans again, because I know how much it means to them,” he said. “As players, we know how much it means to us. Look, you make mistakes every now and again. It’s not something you can learn and train and get better from. It’s just a freak incident. You move on and get better.

“I couldn’t hear what [Alisson] said exactly but it was nice and it showed a bit of respect. That football game was played with respect, there was nothing malicious – just a very good game of football.

“It’s unfortunate for me but I think it was a good game for everyone on outside to watch. The Anfield luck for Everton is still not there.”

When asked whether he would sleep well, the England international said: “I don’t sleep well after many games, really, but we have got a game on Wednesday and I will show people what I can do. You can’t practice what happened there in training. You just have to get on with it and I will show you my character.”