Jordan Pickford, Everton, Manchester City
Jordan Pickford denied Erling Haaland from the spot for Everton at Man City
Dan Godfrey
Thu 26 December 2024 16:40, UK
Jordan Pickford had a useful prop in the Everton goal that appears to have helped he and his side massively as the Toffees secured a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
As picked up and shared by ESPN on X [26 December], the goalkeeper once again has the statistics of City’s penalty takers plastered across his water bottle.
The close-up image was posted by the sports platform just a matter of minutes before Pickford denied Erling Haaland from the spot, to keep the Boxing Day lunchtime kick-off level at 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium – with Iliman Ndiaye having equalised with a superb finish late in the first half.
ESPN stated: “Jordan Pickford’s water bottle has all the intel on Manchester City’s penalty takers,” followed by a side-eye emoji, which mysteriously appeared to predict his denial of Golden Boot holder Haaland.
Jordan Pickford steps up from the spot for Everton again
Pickford has not experienced his first rodeo by thwarting Haaland at the Etihad to help snatch a draw.
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The 30-year-old has also denied Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon from the spot this season, continuing a positive record keeping takers at bay from 12 yards throughout his career from club and country.
He has stepped up from the spot for England in major tournaments, too, with the water-bottle stats coming in handy on several occasions – a tactic adopted by goalkeepers across the globe.
The Toffees stopper, closing in on 300 appearances for the club, has been a revelation since arriving and these days has grown into a mature, positive influence who has become crucial to Sean Dyche.
It’s a wonder where Everton could be right now without Pickford, as some quarters even debate a potential statue for his impact and how he has helped set up the club on its long-term path.
In other Everton news, Matthew Upson waxes lyrical about one Toffees man after a “special” moment.
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