BENDA, LIKE BANKS NOT BECKHAM!
Birthday boy Steve produces spot-kick save before Obafemi grabs late winner
BIRTHDAY boy Steven Benda did his homework and was rewarded with the penalty save which denied West Brom a desperately needed three points.
Swansea’s German goalkeeper knew exactly where striker Karlan Grant was going to send his second-half spot kick.
It turned out to be a crucial intervention – the Baggies missed the chance to take the lead and the Swans went on to win with a late strike (left) from substitute Michael Obafemi.
Benda, aiming to cement his place in Russell Martin’s plans, celebrated his 24th birthday in style.
He said: “It’s not a bad birthday gift, I guess. It’s a nice feeling. I always look at penalties before the games, how they take them, where they score and then in the game, there’s a bit of instinct involved as well.
“I went to the left, but I managed to get my feet to it and thankfully I saved it.”
Benda made other important saves, while Olivier Ntcham and Obafemi (celebrating below) were outstanding, stepping off the bench to score the last two goals.
And City manager Martin insisted: “The best thing for us is we can improve a lot and be better in a lot of areas.”
The consequence of Grant’s miss – his third at home – is the sack as penalty taker. He also effectively cost Albion three points and kept the spotlight firmly on boss Steve Bruce’s future. One win in 11 games says it all. There is a lot of lipbiting going on from the manager and patience is running out. Fans are turning too.
Bruce said: “Karlan is the designated taker on the pitch. However, I believe now that it’s three times he has missed at home so we will have to have a look at it.”
There was one bright spark for Bruce and that was the performance of captain Jake Livermore, who is returning to full fitness. It was Livermore who cancelled out Matt Sorinola’s opener and who injected energy into his team. The midfielder left the action with 15 minutes to go, which Bruce conceded could have been a mistake.
Bruce added: “He ran around like a Trojan to get us back into the game. In hindsight, should I have left him there? Maybe.
“He has shown leadership skills which are required. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and we need a few more to stand with him.”