‘I did my homework. I called it this morning’: Jordan Pickford’s WATERBOTTLE reveals how Everton goalkeeper planned to ‘STAY’ for any James Maddison penalties…before making crucial save in relegation battle
Jordan Pickford researched James Maddison’s water bottle penalties – before making a vital stop during Everton’s 2-2 draw at Leicester City.
Maddison had a chance from 12 yards deep in first half stoppage time, but it was comfortably saved by the Everton goalkeeper.
Pictures showed that Pickford’s water bottle contained the phrase ‘James Maddison – Stay – 60% centre’ – which is exactly how the England shotstopper stopped the Foxes from taking a 3-1 lead at half time.
“I did my homework, I called this morning where I was going to go, but he’s a good player and he expects me to move,” Pickford told Sky Sports after the game.
“He’s having a great delivery. He expects me to make the dive. I think I double bluffed him.
Jordan Pickford made a crucial stop to reject Leicester’s James Maddison from the penalty spot
The Everton goalkeeper’s water bottle contained diagrams explaining where to stop penalties
“It was a big moment and I’m glad I made it because that’s what I’m doing here, trying to help the team. I’ll do my best to get them out of trouble.’
Everton have been widely criticized for their performance this season, which once again saw them dragged into the Premier League relegation battle – but no one can fault their dedication to knowing how teams get penalties.
So when Pickford stood his ground, as the detailed advice suggested, the save seemed routine – and prevented Leicester two goals clear.
Maddison’s missed penalty denied Leicester City a two-goal tie at the King Power Stadium
Alex Iwobi scored in the second half to secure a point for Everton in their relegation battle
Fans were quick to pounce on Maddison’s ‘outrageous’ penalty and wondered if Jamie Vardy should have stood up to take it – although it seems Pickford had more information as well and may have prepared for that possibility as well.
Alex Iwobi stepped up less than ten minutes into the second half to secure Everton’s equalizer, with neither side able to seize the chance for a crucial winner.
Everton’s relegation battle then sees them head to Brighton on Bank Holiday Monday next week for a home game against league leaders Manchester City.
The penultimate games against Wolves and Bournemouth will also prove crucial for Sean Dyche’s side as they try to avoid falling to the Championship.