Seamus Coleman coy on Erling Haaland chat as he talks up Toffees

Everton veteran Seamus Coleman would not divulge exactly what he said to Erling Haaland before the Mnchester City superstar missed a crucial penalty on St Stephen's Day, and instead focused on what's been a strong December for the Toffees.

Republic of Ireland captain Coleman, 36, came back into the side for the trip to the Etihad and delivered an excellent showing as the Merseysiders frustrated Pep Guardiola's spluttering reigning champions.

They needed a slice of luck in the second half. With the game tied at 1-1, Vitalii Mykolenko clattered into Savinho inside the box to cough up a spot-kick.

Coleman could be seen having words Haaland before the striker took - and missed - the penalty, with the Donegal man keeping his cards close to his chest when asked what he said to put off the Norwegian.

"No comment, listen... Merry Christmas!" he smiled during his post-match interview with Amazon Prime.

"We came here looking to get a point and you'll do anything you can sometimes to win. There was no swearing or anything like that."

Making his first league start since August, Coleman admitted it was a tough assignment.

"I had a little joke with Ashley (Young). I said, 'of all the games you could have given me, you've given me Man City away?!'" he added.

"Listen, Ashley is an example for me. He's three years older than me and the way he's been performing has been unbelievable. I'm sure he'll be back in Saturday. What a top professional, we're really lucky to have him."

It's been a good month for Everton. After beating Wolves 4-0, they drew at Arsenal, held Chelsea to a stalemate at Goodison Park and then nabbed a point at City.

Sean Dyche's men are still only 15th in the table, but Coleman sees reasons to be optimistic.

"I think people from