After a comfortable win for the Blues against FC Krasnodar in the Champions League, doubts raised as Chelsea man missed a spot-kick.
BT Sport pundit Glenn Hoddle thinks that Chelsea gaffer Frank Lampard will contemplate the decision to change the penalty taker. This was after Jorginho’s failure to score from the 12-yard spot in Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against FC Krasnodar.
Early in the first half, Chelsea received a golden opportunity to glide past the hosts at Krasnodar Stadium. Striker Timo Werner was clearly fouled in the penalty box in the 14th minute.
To no one’s surprise, Jorginho took matters into his hands as usual being the top penalty taker. However, with his trademark hop, he sent Matvey Safonov the wrong way only to see his attempt hit the post and bounce back.
Fortunately for the Italy international, Chelsea scored the first goal in the 37th minute with the combination of Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
And later in the second half, Timo Werner stepped up to take the second penalty following Jorginho’s substitution. Consequently, the German international made no mistake to slot it past Safonov.
Furthermore, Chelsea wrapped up the game at the end with goals from Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic.
Should he be replaced?
Although, now with this failed chance, this becomes Jorginho’s second penalty miss in the new season. Additionally, this situation has raised doubts regarding whether Lampard should change the penalty taker.
“The little skip was there,” Hoddle said during commentary on BT Sport. “Jorginho usually waits for the ‘keeper to go the wrong way – he did all that right – but he’s got to hit the target and he’s hit the post. What a let off.
“It just shows you, penalty taking is about confidence. There were a few little self-doubts, obviously, going through his mind and that’s when you miss penalties.
“That’s why penalties in a play-off final or whatever game are different because you have to walk, but if you miss a couple, it plays a lot on your mind.
“When he had the two against Ajax, it’s just not there obviously. Frank will have to think about that and think, is there another penalty taker to be named?”
Moreover, Hoddle said that there are other Chelsea players who can step up for this responsibility.
“I’d imagine Frank will have some communication with him,” Hoddle continued. “Have a little chat, sit down with him, one-on-one, see how he feels.
“A player will always tell you that he wants to take it and he’s OK. But there will come a time, whether that’s at the moment after missing these important penalties, that remains to be seen.
“There’s plenty of other good penalty takers on the team, I can tell you.
“He’s just pulled it, hasn’t he? Jorginho just screwed it a little bit wide of where he wants it to go.
“He’s done the first bit and thrown the goalkeeper. Safonov gets a little bit fortunate, he hasn’t got a clue where the ball is, it hits his back and spins out.”
But, another BT Sport pundit, Jermaine Jenas suggests that Jorginho should remain Chelsea’s top choice for spot-kicks.
“No (there shouldn’t be a new taker),” Jenas said at half time. I still think he’s the man.
“I think he’s proven for Chelsea in big moments, in big games. Yes, he’s missed a couple this season.
“It’s unorthodox, and I think when you take an unorthodox-type penalty, it gives people more reason to be wanting change, but the reality is – he’s still a very good penalty taker.”
What are your thoughts about Jorginho’s performance? Should Frank Lampard switch the penalty taker or will the Italian recover from his poor form?
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