Thank fuck Jose was sacked today otherwise we wouldn't hear the end of the media vultures calling him arrogant. He'll learn. We'll move on supporting him as we always have done.
Why arrogant?
A Panenka penalty is just as valid as any other. Was Fuchs arrogant for believing he could put it in the top corner? How about Zinchenko? Was he lucky that his arrogance for blasting it into the top corner paid off?
When you take a penalty, you are either placing it or leathering it. If you leather it, you’re saying “Even if the keeper gets a touch, it won’t be enough to save it.” If you place it, you’re saying, “I’m going to put it out of the reach of the keeper, possibly even fooling him as to which side.” A Panenka is simply placing it high and up the middle, because you’re certain the keeper is going to dive and you don’t want his dragging legs to get a touch.
The only thing Sterling did wrong was hit it too hard, which lifted it too much.
And, yes, it takes balls because people think it takes greater nerve to trust the keeper isn’t going to recognize it, stand there, and make a simple catch...and that you’re going to use excellent technique to pull it off. Sadly, Sterling’s technique let him down.
Good for him for having the balls to try it, I say! Doubt he will be doing it again anytime soon.
Oh, and the goalie should get a yellow card for taunting in his face afterwards. Unsportsmanlike conduct all day long.
