Nothing Lucky About Ngog’s Penalty
We think diving is as much a stain on the modern game as the next person, but it’s come to the point that when someone wins a penalty the armchair fans instinctively brandish the player a liar and a cheat. Such was the case after Monday’s Liverpool v Birmingham match, when Lee Carsley’s lunge at David Ngog in the penalty box earned the Reds a penalty kick, a valuable point, and ultimately gave Rafa Benitez a stay of execution. But the fact is, Carsley’s last-ditch tackle was a foul plain and simple. Let’s review the tape.
First and foremost, it was a reckless challenge. With Liverpool down 2-1 at home and Ngog racing along the endline in front of the Kop, once Birmingham’s Carsley had made the decision to dive in on the Reds striker from a full three yards away, a penalty was only ever going to be the outcome. Granted, Carsley never touches Ngog – but you shouldn’t have to have your leg broken to win a spot-kick. Remember, when you’re running at full pace with the ball the slightest disruption to your course will cause you to stumble over.
Why do we automatically assume Ngog dove? Does he have a history of diving? The young French striker who started his career in Ligue Un with PSG and moved to Anfield in the summer of 2008 has never been involved in any incidents of diving or moments of controversy. He has been used sparingly by Rafa Benitez and when given the chance to impress has always performed in an honest and professional manner.
It’s the defender’s job to avoid fouling the attacker. This never rings more true than in the penalty box. With Ngog racing towards goal and the opportunity to equalise quickly revealing itself, why should he have to shift his path and get out of the way of a Lee Carsley full-body slide? Of course it’s great to see an attacker ride a challenge in the box and still finish in style but that requires a tremendous amount of bravery, skill and luck which frankly doesn’t sound like a better option to a free shot on goal.
Protecting the goods. Yes it was a theatrical reaction to Carsley’s rash challenge but in order to avoid seriously injuring himself, Ngog had to jump and land in a safe manner even if that may lead to accusations of diving. Have you ever played football and seen a slide tackle come in from the corner of your eye? It happens quite quickly doesn’t it? In that split-second before you’re knocked to the ground, the idea of gaining an advantage certainly crosses your mind, but preventing injury draws the brain’s immediate attention.
Liverpool have been down on their luck in recent weeks, but Ngog’s penalty had nothing to do with luck.
Penalty!
3 Responses to “Nothing Lucky About Ngog’s Penalty”
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ngog dived SIMPLE!! and its not a surprise that the top clubs get away with these embarressing acts he should be ashamed of himself and should be banned for at least 3 games.
He was looking for that dive and everyone knows it.
it was NO WAY a penalty, lee was no where near ngog and i hope his family and fans are so proud to cheat in a football game that gave liverpool a point.
Birmingham should have gone home with all 3 points, they played brilliantly and deffinatly deserved the 3 points.
Stan, I completely agree with you. When I first saw the footage, it was clear from the referee perspective that it was a penalty. When I saw the replays, it appeared that Ngog was just trying to avoid the sweeping slide of Carsley. The fact he fell while doing it does not mean he dived! It was a reckless and clumsy challenge, and only Ngog’s skill prevented a serious collision.
Cheers Ace Duncan. Unfortunately, it looks like Ngog will have to avoid any trips through the Birmingham area for the rest of his life. (Although that could be a blessing in disguise… I’m just kidding.)