Fans make same point about Cole Palmer after Raheem Sterling misses penalty against Leicester
Many fans on social media believe Raheem Sterling should have allowed Cole Palmer to take Chelsea’s first-half penalty in their FA Cup match against Leicester City.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side appeared to double their lead in the 26th minute of Sunday’s quarter-final, when Abdul Fatawu knocked Sterling down in the area with a clumsy challenge from behind.
Sterling, who struggled in the first half on Sunday, stepped up to take the penalty, which surprised some fans given Cole Palmer’s recent record from 12 yards.
And the England international missed with a weak effort, as Jakub Stolarczyk judged correctly.
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Here’s how fans on social media responded to the miss.
One person stated, “Sterling misses the pen. He should have left it to Palmer. “What a petty penalty.”
A second member of the audience said: “Utterly bizarre decision to give Sterling the penalty when Palmer is on the pitch.”
A third person wrote, “How is Sterling taking the penalty when Palmer is on?” Has missed a good chance, stopped his own teammate’s shot, and now scuffed what would have been 2-0 through Palmer. Substitute him now, and I will have ZERO complaints.”
A fourth commented, “Another example of Chelsea’s lack of leadership/game management.” “Why was Sterling allowed to take the penalty over Palmer?”
A fifth said, “WHY IS STERLING TAKING THAT PENALTY? Cole is the penalty-taker.”
Mauricio Pochettino has previously stated that Chelsea does not have a designated penalty taker.
In October, after Palmer and Sterling clashed about taking a penalty in their match against Arsenal, he said: “There are a few guys who can take the penalty. It’s about how they feel.
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“As a coaching staff we give them the responsibility to decide on the pitch.”
He continued, “It’s not just one guy, and this player will be in charge. It demonstrates that Cole was prepared to take the two penalties he received.
“Normally, it will be him if he is on the pitch. But if not, I’d be content with Raheem and Nico (Jackson).
“For me the most important thing is to have the decision and the personality to go.”
Raheem Sterling misses from the spot for the Blues 😯#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/2hTGLyN3Hp
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 17, 2024
