Jordan Pickford's Epic Celebration After Saving Penalty from James Maddison Goes Viral Among Fans

Jordan Pickford faced criticism for his exuberant celebration after stopping James Maddison's penalty kick during the crucial relegation match between Everton and Leicester City.

In the Premier League match at King Power Stadium, the 19th-placed team faced the 18th-placed team, where the Toffees took an early lead of 1-0 with a penalty by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was fouled by Timothy Castagne.

 Leicester City equalized with a goal by Caglar Soyuncu, although goalkeeper Jordan Pickford may have thought he could have prevented it. 

In the 33rd minute, James Maddison made a brilliant pass to set up Jamie Vardy, who outplayed Pickford and scored his third goal of the season in the league, completing the comeback for the Foxes.

Everton's troubles seemed to escalate when Michael Keane was deemed to have handled the ball, resulting in a clear handball penalty. Surprisingly, James Maddison stepped up to take the penalty, instead of Jamie Vardy or Youri Tielemans, and opted for a central shot, a common choice under pressure.

Despite the tense situation, Jordan Pickford came prepared with his water bottle, which contained information about Leicester's penalty-taking tendencies. He used this knowledge to anticipate Maddison's move and make a crucial save, preventing further damage to Everton's scoreline.

After swiveling, he returned to the center position to execute a powerful stop and made his first penalty save in four years.

 Shortly after the halftime whistle blew, Pickford was observed pumping his fist in front of Leicester fans, despite Everton trailing 2-1 in the crucial match.

Jordan Pickford can't hold back the celebrations at half-time after saving James Maddison's penalty 😅🧤 pic.twitter.com/ioZTsx9g0K

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 1, 2023

 Naturally, fans rinsed Pickford for the way in which he celebrated given his team were trailing at the break.

One wrote: "Pickford weird celebration at half time 2-1 down in the relegation zone."

A second said: "Pickford giving the fist pump celebration to the Leicester fans whilst being 2-1 down

A third agreed: "Haha. Pickford is so weird. Did you see his little celebration there."