Nothing to do for Manchester City. Victory for Pep Guardiola's team is postponed again, after they drew 1-1 against Everton in the "Boxing Day" match.
The final result of the match was significantly influenced by the missed penalty by Haaland, who was "hypnotized" by Pickford. The goalkeeper did everything to destabilize the Norwegian and succeeded.
In the 53rd minute, with the score at 1-1, the English champions had the chance to take the lead through Haaland. The former Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund striker stepped up to the spot to try and break the curse, but Pickford didn't make it easy for him. The goalkeeper began to distract him with grimaces and movements before the shot, even using a tongue-out as a provocation towards the striker.
Pickford's protruding tongue disarms the Norwegian
The provocation was a lucky one, as Haaland took a disastrous penalty: a slow, low shot into the centre of the net, which Pickford easily saved. The goalkeeper deserved praise for his intuition, but Haaland showed great weakness in this situation. From a goalscorer like him, much more was expected. His attempt to score a goal was later ruled out for offside.
Jordan Pickford... ???? #PLonPrime #MCIEVE pic.twitter.com/QKb5kKoCnC
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024
Pickford and the notes in a bottle for City's strikers
This was a special day for Pickford, who had written down all the instructions for the opponent's penalty takers on a bottle. This preparation proved profitable. Meanwhile, Manchester City continue their negative momentum, with only one win in their last 13 matches in all competitions. In the Premier League, Guardiola has collected only two points in his last four matches. A complete curse that is also affecting individuals, as was seen today with Erling Haaland.
Jordan Pickford's water bottle has all the intel on Manchester City's penalty takers ???? pic.twitter.com/TXO0sDiWeA
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 26, 2024