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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
