The short version
- Valentin Barco and Bruno Guimaraes missed penalties in Carabao Cup shootouts after employing a stuttering run-up technique.
- Liverpool defender Joe Gomez scored his first senior goal with a simple approach, contrasting sharply with the misses by opposing midfielders.
- Former players are divided on the tactic, with some calling it naive self-indulgence while others argue it provides necessary time to assess the goalkeeper.
A contentious penalty-taking technique has returned to the center of football discourse following a series of high-stakes misses in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea midfielder Valentin Barco struck the post during his club’s shootout loss to Liverpool, while Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes saw his effort saved by Fleetwood Town. Both players utilized a stuttering run-up, a stop-start approach designed to unsettle goalkeepers but which has drawn sharp criticism after failing in these crucial moments.
The misses highlight the inherent risks of the method. Proponents argue that the hesitation can trick a goalkeeper into diving early or revealing their intended direction. However, if the keeper holds their nerve, the taker may lose momentum or composure. In Barco’s case, the technique resulted in a shot that missed the target entirely, while Guimaraes faced a save despite his attempt to feint. These outcomes have intensified scrutiny on whether the psychological advantage outweighs the technical drawbacks.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez provided a stark contrast during the match against Chelsea. After 319 professional appearances without scoring a senior goal, Gomez rifled the winning penalty into the top corner using a straightforward run-up. His success came just before Wesley Fofana’s miss in sudden death sent Liverpool to the quarter-finals. Gomez described the moment as one he had anticipated, noting that everyone was on edge but expressing satisfaction at finally seeing his shot find the net.
The debate over the stutter penalty is not new. It gained significant attention during the recent World Cup, where 26 such attempts were recorded, with 11 resulting in misses. Harry Kane also employed the technique against Croatia, initially missing before receiving a retake due to the goalkeeper’s early movement. He subsequently scored with a standard approach. Guimaraes, who missed at the World Cup, did not alter his strategy for the Fleetwood match, suggesting a personal commitment to the style despite its mixed results.
Former players are sharply divided on the merits of the technique. Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool midfielder, condemned the approach as ridiculous and self-indulgent. He argued that modern goalkeepers are no longer easily tricked by feints, making the tactic naive. Murphy suggested that managers should prohibit it, viewing it as an attempt by players to seek attention rather than secure results. His comments reflect a growing frustration among some analysts who see the method as outdated.
Conversely, Glen Johnson, a former defender for both Liverpool and Chelsea, defended the technique. He noted that Barco’s miss was marginal, hitting the post by mere inches. Johnson pointed out that Barco had already beaten the goalkeeper in terms of positioning but failed to place the ball accurately. He argued that the stutter provides players with extra time to process the keeper’s movements, which can be beneficial under pressure. Johnson emphasized that the goal is large and precision is key.
Cesar Azpilicueta, a former Chelsea defender, offered a more nuanced perspective. He stated that every player must choose a style in which they feel confident. Azpilicueta believed that the stuttering run-up was Barco’s preferred method and expressed hope that it was not his first attempt at this stage of his career. His comments underscore the importance of individual comfort and routine in high-pressure situations, regardless of external criticism.
The technique has historical precedents, with legends like Pelé and Cristiano Ronaldo having used it with varying degrees of success. Current players such as Bruno Fernandes, Jorginho, and Raul Jimenez also frequently employ the stutter. This widespread adoption suggests that many athletes find value in the psychological element it introduces. However, the recent high-profile failures have reignited questions about its reliability in decisive moments.
As the Carabao Cup progresses, teams will likely continue to debate penalty strategies. The contrast between Gomez’s simple success and the misses by Barco and Guimaraes illustrates the fine line between confidence and overcomplication. Whether players adjust their techniques or stick to their routines remains to be seen. The incident serves as a reminder that in knockout football, execution is paramount, and even minor deviations can have significant consequences.
The broader implications extend beyond individual matches. Coaches and analysts will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of various penalty approaches. While some may advocate for a return to simpler methods, others will argue that the stutter remains a valid tool in the modern game. The ongoing discussion reflects the evolving nature of football tactics and the constant search for an edge in high-stakes scenarios.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗'Stutter' penalty back in the spotlight after Barco miss costs Chelsea
