Norwich not paying the penalty
NORWICH jet off to Miami today to practise penalties in the sunshine as they sit top of the Championship.
While things are bright for Daniel Farke’s Canaries after they twice fought back to beat Millwall 4-3, it came despite a third missed penalty in as many Saturdays.
“We’ve already missed four in the season,” said Farke, right. “Normally you won’t miss four penalties in five or six seasons. That’s crazy.
“Anyhow, it’s unbelievable that the last three missed penalties didn’t even cost one point. Its unbelievable how mentally strong we’ve reacted after missing them.
“But one thing is for sure, we have to use our chances with penalties. Next time perhaps we will send a German to the spot and hopefully that helps.”
Stewart Downing believes Jordan Hugill could produce the strike power to propel Middlesbrough to promotion after the loanee’s two goals in a 2-0 win over Wigan.
Local boy Hugill, 26, was signed for a season from West Ham after spending most of his time on the bench following a £10million January move from Preston. And after his first two league goals for Boro, Downing said: “I remember him playing here last season for Preston and I thought he was very good. He held the ball up, he was their focal point and made life difficult. “When he came, I thought, ‘If we can get him up to speed we’ve got a player’. Since he has been here, the manager has put his arm around him and told him how good he’ll be. If he has a run of games, he might get 10 or 15 goals.” After West Brom thrashed Leeds 4-1, Barry Douglas apologised for his row with the management when he was substituted with 17 minutes still to go.
“It was unprofessional of me,” said the Leeds defender. “I was disappointed at the score and emotions got the better of me.”
West Brom are back after a poor run of form, and with 37 goals in 17 games they will take some stopping.
Derby have enjoyed an impressive run recently under Frank Lampard but that was shattered by visitors Aston Villa, who beat them 3-0.
Derby midfielder Tom Huddlestone said: “If anybody was getting carried away – and I don’t think they were – then this probably brings you back down to earth a bit.”