SKY SPORTS cameras captured Jordan Pickford’s water bottle penalty cheat sheet moments before he saved a spot-kick from Danny Welbeck.
The Everton goalie played a key role as his side beat Brighton 2-0 on Sunday.
Strikes from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner saw the Toffees win the first match at their new stadium.
While Jack Grealish helped himself to both assists following his loan move from Manchester City.
But Everton fans collectively held their breath when Brighton were offered a way back into the match.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall conceded a penalty after handling the ball in his box, presenting Welbeck with the chance to equalise.
But before the effort was taken, Sky Sports cameras zoomed in on Pickford’s water bottle.
The goalie always has a list of opposition penalty takers attached to his drink, allowing him to decide which direction to dive.
Pickford has often used the tactic in the past , with his water bottle, helping England beat Switzerland in Euro 2024.
This time, cameras picked up Welbeck’s name showing that he evenly splits his penalties down the left and right.
Pickford’s instructions were also attached to the drink, telling him to dive to his left – Welbeck’s right.
And the stopper’s decision proved to be correct as he pounced on the Brighton striker’s tame effort.
Pickford’s penalty save saw him join an elite group.
Since joining Everton in 2017, he has now saved eight Premier League spot-kicks.
Only former West Ham stopper Lukasz Fabianski blocked more with 10 saves.
And Pickford is now fourth on the all-time list of penalty saves by Englishmen.
He is just behind Rob Green and Ben Foster, who have both kept out nine spot-kicks.
But Pickford has some way to go to catch leader David James, who saved an amazing 13 penalties during his top-flight career.
