JORDAN PICKFORD and Everton employed the dark arts to help extend Manchester City's dismal recent run.
The Everton keeper denied Erling Haaland from the spot during City's 1-1 draw with the Toffees on Boxing Day.
Jordan Pickford denied Erling Haaland from the spot as Everton frustrated Man City
Jordan Pickford denied Erling Haaland from the spot as Everton frustrated Man CityCredit: Getty
The Norweigan saw his pen saved by the England keeper
The Norweigan saw his pen saved by the England keeperCredit: Getty
Fans were in hysterics after spotting Pickford's antics before the kick was taken
Fans were in hysterics after spotting Pickford's antics before the kick was takenCredit: ESPN
Pickford correctly dived to his right to keep out Haaland's effort after Savinho had been felled in the box.
Seamus Coleman was booked ahead of the penalty after appearing to mouth something into the Norweigan striker's ear.
And fans were in hysterics as England No. 1 Pickford did his best to put off Haaland during a lengthy build-up.
The 30-year-old pulled a wild face in Haaland's direction, before sticking his tongue out at the City striker.
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Moments later, he guessed right to deny Haaland a first home league goal since October.
One fan laughed on X: "It's been 70 years since I've been following Everton. Pickford represents us like no one else."
Another said: "He also winked at him after saving it."
While a third added: "Don't blame Haaland for missing, I'd be gobsmacked too."
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And a fourth joked: "Me looking at the leftover turkey."
TV cameras caught Pickford looking at his water bottle before the spot-kick.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola ready to make urgent tactical tweak and defends Erling Haaland
He appeared to have a cheat sheet written on it, featuring the most likely destination for penalties from all of City's main stars.
City were booed from the field following the draw, which left them with just one win in 13 games.
The Toffees skipper also had a cheat sheet printed on his water bottle
The Toffees skipper also had a cheat sheet printed on his water bottleCredit: Alamy
Following the game, Guardiola said: "We played really good but we are in the period right now that is what happens, we create, we concede the first time [an Everton shot] arrives. But yeah, we keep going.
"The performance against that team was really good offensively and defensively.
"We shot a lot inside the 18 yard box but unfortunately couldn't get the result we wanted."