I know we've discussed this before, but I'm seeing the same teams again and again getting penalties on the highlights show tonight. Crystal Palace got two more, they must have had about 20 this season now? The interesting thing is their players' reaction, they go mad as if they've scored when they're awarded a pen, almost as if that was the plan... Leeds got yet another pen which may or may not have been outside the area, the replays didn't slow it down or anything so I'm just showing my bias assuming it was outside but it's incredible how they've had two already this season which were clearly outside the area and now another 'debatable' one. We really need to up our game in winning penalties. The way players go down now is insane, it's becoming less about diving and more about making sure you're fouled. I reckon at least half of penalties now are players running away from goal right in the corner of the area with no danger at all but they kick it miles and find someone nearby to fall over. I'd rather see us play and score fairly but the amount of goals some team rely on from penalties in unreal while we get one or two stone-wallers every season.
There you go ISTPLT http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/championship/elfmeter/wettbewerb_GB2_2012_a.html Joint bottom of the penalties awarded league. Though, before we complain too much... http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/championship/elfmeter/wettbewerb_GB2_2012_b.html We are rock bottom of the Penalties conceded league, having only had two awarded against us this season. Is it something about the three centre backs?
Zaha must be going to Arsenal this month , it was clear he's been taught how to dive by Cazorla . 10 out of 10 for that first one.
It is odd that with players like Elmo, Brady and Aluko in the squad, we haven't won more penalties. By that I mean tricky players who get into the box. We usually have crosses that swoop in, rather than players dribbling into the box so perhaps this is why we don't get them very often.
Games aren't won via Penalties though, we need to remember our clubs record via penalties.. not good..
We play a passing game - so the ball is in midfield for long periods with just short bursts in the opponents final third. Both Palace and Leeds play with target men (Murray and Becchio) and probably get the ball forward much quicker then we do hence play is in and around the penalty area more often.
We've got a German in the team, just give him the ball if we get a penalty. They never bleedin miss. His pen v Rotherham was class- right in top corner.
