Paul Robinson spots something strange in FA Cup penalty shootout, it put Leeds at a disadvantage vs Birmingham City
Lucas Perri was put at an immediate disadvantage during Leeds United’s penalty shootout against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
Paul Robinson spotted that Chris Davies‘ players had no numbers on their shorts, so with players walking directly up to the goalkeeper after full-time on Sunday, 15 February, he could not tell who was who.
It is becoming more and more common for shot-stoppers to have penalty information on their water bottles, and at full-time, it became apparent that the Leeds match-winner found it difficult at St Andrew’s.
Nonetheless, Daniel Farke’s side advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup, needing spot-kicks after Lukas Nmecha’s effort was cancelled out by Patrick Roberts, but it was still a victory.
Perri might have had something to complain about had the shootout gone the other way, however.
Lucas Perri struggles in FA Cup shootout due to Birmingham City’s kit
It has been a very difficult time for Perri over the last few weeks, being replaced by Wales international Karl Darlow, but he gave the manager plenty to think about with his saves on the road at the weekend.
Speaking on BBC’s The FA Cup (15 February), Robinson said: “At the end, he has a laugh with his goalkeeper coach, and I think there might have been a conversation about the kit that Birmingham were wearing.
“There were no numbers on the shorts, so the names and numbers of that [Perri’s] water bottle, I’m not so sure that when the players were walking up from the halfway line, the goalkeeper couldn’t see who was taking the next penalty.”
Farke also deserves praise for his decision to replace Facundo Buonanotte with Ethan Ampadu during the half-time break, a change which likely stopped the Blues from getting an earlier equaliser and winning the game in normal time.
What could Leeds’ penalty shootout win mean for Karl Darlow?
Wales boss Craig Bellamy will surely be disappointed that Darlow’s spot in the team could now be compromised following an incredible display from Perri at St Andrew’s.
The 35-year-old has been called upon several times this season by Farke, a huge boost for the Red Wall ahead of their World Cup play-offs in March, but that could all be about to stop.
Perri has experienced a difficult time in England since his summer move from Lyon, but after several tremendous saves in the FA Cup, he could now start against Aston Villa on Saturday, 21 February.
Ultimately, the goalkeepers are all fighting for one spot, and when one has a good game, the other is back to fighting for the shirt, just like Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford at Man City.
For more expert analysis on Leeds’ FA Cup win over Birmingham City, head to MOT Leeds News for all the latest