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“Was Sunderland’s penalty mix-up against Millwall a cause for concern?”- Honest convincing verdict that brought everything to light
Andrew Smithson says…
While failing to score from penalties is part of the game, I’m not overly concerned just yet. This run isn’t ideal, but once we convert one, the momentum will swing in our favor.
Luke O’Nien has been excellent in the past, and he has the right mentality for high-pressure moments.
If he’s up for it, I’d be happy for him to take the next one, though the weather may have influenced his thinking in the Millwall match, so we might see a different approach next time.
The key right now is for the coaches to ensure penalties are practiced and discussed thoroughly, which also benefits the goalkeepers. With the last four being saved, that’s something we can build on.
What we need to address, though, is the time-wasting tactics from opponents after a penalty is awarded—deliberate delays like arguing with officials, taking drinks, or tying shoelaces, all designed to increase pressure on our taker.
If our players can remain above that and stay focused—maybe even regrouping as a team in a separate area—we could reduce the impact of these mind games.
Calum Mills says…
To be honest, the concern isn’t exaggerated. A penalty should be one of the easiest chances to score, yet we’re finding it the hardest. Missing 80% of our penalties this season, especially as the playoffs loom, is alarming.
Trai Hume’s recent video shows he has what it takes, and I have no doubt he can score if called upon, but we need at least four other reliable takers.
Wilson Isidor’s two misses against Burnley were down to a keeper in great form, but still, we need more options. Patrick Roberts has a 50% record, and Luke O’Nien’s miss was poor.
The only other player to score from the spot this season is Eliezer Mayenda, and that was in pre-season. Alan Browne, who has a solid penalty record, should also be considered, along with Dennis Cirkin—if he can stay fit.
For me, the five best options are:
- Jobe Bellingham
- Romaine Mundle
- Trai Hume
- Alan Browne
- Eliezer Mayenda
Régis Le Bris needs to make sure penalty practice is a priority. The last thing we need is a lack of confidence in a shootout, especially with so much at stake for next season.
John Wilson says…
I’ve always believed the head coach should decide on a designated penalty taker. Some managers let players decide, but I’ve seen managers get frustrated when someone else takes the kick.
Ideally, there should be one regular taker, even though I understand situations may vary depending on the game.
The penalty against Millwall was embarrassing. I could sense the confusion—Wilson Isidor was frustrated, Romaine Mundle was grumbling, and it almost felt like Luke O’Nien took it just to stop the arguing.
Once he placed the ball on the spot, I thought someone else would step up, but it didn’t happen. The pressure is only building for the next penalty taker.
It’s crucial that the head coach picks a consistent penalty taker. Corners and free kicks are usually taken by the same players, so why should penalties be any different?
A designated taker will build confidence through repetition, and missing a penalty is just part of the process. Even top players like Erling Haaland miss sometimes.
Régis Le Bris needs to have the players who want to take penalties practicing them in training.
He can’t replicate match pressure, but he can evaluate consistency and technique. It’s time to stop leaving it to chance—pick a taker and stick with them.
It’s shocking this has become an issue, and the players who should be in the running, from my observation, are: Trai Hume, Jobe Bellingham, and Romaine Mundle.
Jon Guy says…
This issue definitely needs addressing. If Wilson Isidor had scored one of his two penalties against Burnley, we’d be two points closer to where we need to be. Similarly, if Patrick Roberts had converted against Sheffield United, we’d be even closer. We can’t have players arguing over who takes the penalty—it’s impacting our already poor conversion rate.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the current lack of confidence in taking penalties is worrying. This is a problem that can easily be fixed in training, and it needs to be dealt with immediately. If Isidor is the designated taker, then back him, but if another player has the confidence and is scoring them in training, let them take the responsibility and stick with them.
