Jordan Pickford’s WATER BOTTLE reveals how he planned to ‘STAY’ for James Maddison penalties

Jordan Pickford said he had ‘done his homework’ on James Maddison’s penalties after putting his research on his water bottle – before making a crucial stop during Everton’s 2-2 draw at Leicester City.

Maddison had an opportunity from 12-yards out deep in first half stoppage time, but it was comfortably saved by the Everton goalkeeper.

Pictures showed Pickford’s water bottle contained the sentence ‘James Maddison – Stay – 60% centre’ – and that’s precisely how the England shotstopper kept the Foxes from running into a 3-1 lead at the break.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the conclusion of the match, Pickford said: ‘I did my homework, I called it this morning where I was going to go but he’s a good player and he’ll expect me to make movement. 

‘He’s got a great delivery. He expects me to make the dive. I think I double bluffed him. 

Jordan Pickford made a crucial stop to deny Leicester’s James Maddison from the penalty spot

The Everton goalkeeper’s water bottle featured diagrams explaining where to stop penalties

‘It was a big moment and I’m happy I saved it because that’s what I’m there to do, try and help the team. I’ll try my best to get them out of trouble.’

Everton have been widely criticised for their performances this season, which have seen them dragged into the Premier League relegation battle yet again – but no one can fault their dedication to knowing how teams step up for penalties.

So when Pickford stood his ground, as the detailed advice suggested, the save looked routine – and stopped Leicester from going two goals clear. 

Maddison’s penalty miss denied Leicester City a two-goal cushion 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 hit out at Maddison’s ‘scandalous’ penalty, and wondered if Jamie Vardy should have stepped up to take it instead – although it looks like Pickford also had further information and may have prepared for that eventuality too.  

Alex Iwobi stepped up less than ten minutes into the second half to secure Everton’s equaliser, and neither side was able to seize the opportunity for a crucial winner.

Everton’s relegation battle next sees them take a trip to Brighton on next week’s Bank Holiday Monday, before a home fixture against league leaders Manchester City.

The penultimate games against Wolves and Bournemouth will also prove critical to Sean Dyche’s side as they look to avoid dropping to the Championship.