Jordan Pickford Tells James Maddison "Don't Play Poker" After Saving His Penalty Thanks To "Homework" Stuck On Water Bottle
Jordan Pickford got the better of England teammate James Maddison during Everton's 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Monday.
Everton keeper Pickford saved a penalty kick from Maddison in first-half stoppage time after correctly predicting that he would shoot down the middle of his goal.
Maddison was one of three potential Leicester penalty takers on the pitch - along with Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy - and Pickford had done his "homework" on all of them.
TV cameras caught a glimpse of Pickford's secret weapon when they zoomed in on his water bottle.
Pickford had printed out information detailing where each potential penalty taker had placed their recent spot-kicks.
That info, which was attached to Pickford's bottle in the form of a sticker, showed that Maddison hit 60% of his penalties centrally.
Pickford threw Maddison a dummy by feigning to go right before staying on his feet and stopping the Leicester star's effort with two hands.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Pickford explained: "I did my homework. I called it this morning where I would go.
"He is a good player and he would've expected me to move, but I double-bluffed him and got one up on him.
"Madders needs to learn his lesson. Don't play poker.
"It was a big moment and I'm happy to save it - it's what I'm there for."
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford pictured during his team's 2-2 draw at Leicester City
IMAGO/Pro Sports Images/Manjit Narotra
Pickford's save stopped Everton going 3-1 behind.
Everton had taken an early lead from a penalty of their own when Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who also shot down the middle, beat Daniel Iversen from 12 yards.
But Leicester hit back with goals from Caglar Soyuncu and Vardy.
Alex Iwobi then completed the scoring in the second half to earn Everton a point.
That point was not enough to take the Toffees out of the relegation zone.
Everton remain 19th. They now have 29 points, while Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham Forest each have 30.
