Importance Score: 50 / 100 🔵
Saka’s Panenka Penalty Flop Draws Sharp Criticism in Champions League Quarter-Final
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has come under fire from former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand after his attempted Panenka penalty went awry during the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Real Madrid.
Saka has become a talismanic figure for Arsenal in recent campaigns, and despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury this season, he has been a standout performer in their European journey.
In the current Champions League term, he boasts an impressive record of four goals and two assists in six appearances. He also played a crucial role in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, winning the free-kicks from which Declan Rice scored both goals.
Missed Opportunity: Saka Denied by Courtois
With Arsenal leading 3-0 on aggregate and presented with a golden opportunity to extend their advantage to 4-0 – and 1-0 on the night – Saka opted for a Panenka. He attempted to delicately chip the ball over Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was diving to his right.
However, the Belgian international showcased exceptional reflexes, extending his arm to make a crucial save and offer his team a lifeline in the tie.
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Expert Reactions: McCoist, Ferdinand, and Keown Weigh In
McCoist Lauds Courtois, Highlights Saka’s Error
Ally McCoist was quick to praise Courtois for his sharp reaction and impressive save, acknowledging the difficulty of recovering after committing to a dive. However, he also pointed out that Saka’s penalty offered Courtois “an opportunity” to make the stop.
“I’m genuinely surprised. It’s just one of those moments. The goalkeeper performs incredibly well,” McCoist commented on TNT Sports.
“It wasn’t a well-executed penalty. Down the middle, it has a good chance, a very good chance of going in.
“But he allows the goalkeeper an opening with his left hand; consider Courtois’ size. The hand is strong. You only succeed with that type of penalty if you score.”
Ferdinand Questions Saka’s Audacity
The penalty was taken under immense pressure in a raucous Santiago Bernabeu atmosphere. While Saka has an excellent penalty record for Arsenal, converting 12 of his spot-kicks and missing only once previously – coincidentally two years prior to this Real Madrid encounter – he couldn’t overcome Courtois on this occasion.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand questioned Saka’s decision to attempt a Panenka against the Real Madrid shot-stopper.
“Wow. What a moment to try and be audacious. Before the match, you discuss silencing this stadium, silencing this crowd, and what an opportunity he had to do just that,” Ferdinand remarked.
Keown Criticizes Decision-Making
Martin Keown echoed the sentiment at half-time, stating: “Saka is typically very intelligent. He usually makes sound decisions. He made a complete misjudgment here.”
“While he recovered after the miss, it was a significant chance to effectively decide the tie.”
McManaman Weighs In on Poor Penalty Execution
Steve McManaman added his analysis: “He took a massive risk trying to Panenka it. He gets everything wrong. It’s not even down the centre of the goal; it’s where Courtois is diving. It was a straightforward save.
“It was a pivotal moment. But in truth, Real Madrid have shown little response; they’ve been ineffective.”
Panenka Penalties: High Risk, High Reward
A Panenka penalty is a high-risk method of taking a penalty. While successful Panenka attempts are often celebrated for their audacity and composure, failures can leave players looking foolish. Saka is by no means the first player to experience the negative side of a Panenka attempt.
VAR Controversy Surrounds Penalty Award and Real Madrid Appeal
Debate arose regarding the initial penalty award to Arsenal, particularly as the VAR review commenced approximately 90 seconds after the apparent foul.
Raul Asencio was observed pulling Mikel Merino to the ground in the box, but initial reactions were muted, and the subsequent penalty award surprised some.
Keown and McManaman Agree on Penalty Decision
“For me, it is a penalty,” Keown asserted. “It’s one of those. While he might not impede the player’s direct path to the ball, you cannot hold an opponent in that manner within the penalty area.”
McManaman concurred, adding: “It’s naive, it’s inexperience. It was a penalty. I’m unsure why he’s doing it.
“As Martin rightly stated, the ball’s trajectory was nowhere near him. So why intervene at all? Very frustrating for Real Madrid.”
Odegaard’s Gesture and Penalty Specialist Status
Leading up to the penalty, Martin Odegaard seemed poised to take it before handing the ball to Saka.
The England international has established himself as Arsenal’s primary penalty taker, ahead of club captain Odegaard.
Real Madrid Penalty Appeal Overturned by VAR
Further penalty drama ensued as Real Madrid were denied a spot-kick after VAR overruled the referee’s initial decision to award a penalty for a challenge on Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe went down under a challenge from Declan Rice, prompting referee Francois Letexier to immediately point to the spot and caution the Arsenal midfielder, which would have ruled Rice out of the potential semi-final first leg.
However, a lengthy VAR review, lasting around five minutes, ultimately overturned the penalty decision, much to Arsenal’s relief.