Jordan Pickford was left red faced after scoring a nightmarish own goal in the first half of Everton’s showdown against Sheffield United.
Just moments before the half-time whistle had blown in the encounter between the two bottom-half sides, the goalkeeper inadvertently put through his own net.
A rapid counter-attack from the hosts at Bramall Lane released Cameron Archer toward the box, with the striker bending an effort against the woodwork.
Pickford, who had dived full stretch in a bid to parry out the shot, was then left helpless after the ball bounced back toward him and deflected off his back.
Much to the delight of the home crowd, the cruel ricochet picked out the roof of his net and forced Everton to enter the interval behind despite them taking the lead.
Jordan Pickford scored a comical own goal during Everton’s showdown at Sheffield United
Cameron Archer’s curling shot hit the post and struck Pickford before bouncing into the net
TV replays showed Pickford expressing his disbelief at the stroke of misfortune before the England international trudged down the tunnel visibly frustrated.
Abdoulaye Doucoure tucked the Toffees ahead on 14 minutes after peeling clear at a corner, forcing Wes Foderingham into a desperate save and then touching home.
But Paul Heckingbottom’s side drew level when Archer, making his debut for the Blades, latched onto a clever pull back and buried beyond Pickford.
The momentum continued to swing in the second half and Everton, capitalising on waves of pressure against a creaking defence, equalised through Arnaut Danjuma.
James Garner and Beto combined sharply down the right, freeing up Nathan Patterson to cross. His delivery was inch-perfect, allowing Danjuma to tap in.
