Guardiola plays down Aguero's penalty miss in Chelsea loss

Aguero attempted a "Panenka" penalty, but Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy did not commit to his dive and was able to simply stand up and catch the gentle shot.

Published : May 09, 2021 10:11 IST , MANCHESTER

Sergio Aguero takes the penalty which landed straight in keeper Edouard Mendy's hands, thereby denying City a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Sergio Aguero takes the penalty which landed straight in keeper Edouard Mendy's hands, thereby denying City a 2-0 lead at half-time.
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Sergio Aguero takes the penalty which landed straight in keeper Edouard Mendy's hands, thereby denying City a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola refused to criticise striker Sergio Aguero for his dreadful failed attempt at a chipped penalty in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.

City had just taken a 1-0 lead when they were awarded a chance to make it 2-0 at the break after a penalty was awarded from Billy Gilmour's challenge on Gabriel Jesus in the box.

Aguero attempted a "Panenka" penalty designed to fool the goalkeeper with a chip straight down the middle.

But Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy did not commit to his dive and was able to simply stand up and catch the gentle shot.

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Guardiola rejected the claim that the Argentine striker had been "selfish" with his choice and said he always told his penalty takers to commit to a choice on an approach to a kick.

“If he scores you would say he is a genius. I say to the players to take one decision. Panenka, right, left. Pick one," said the City boss.

“He is a sensible guy, we are not going to talk about what Sergio has done for all the period he has been here.

“He took the decision, no one expect(ed) it, but if he was convinced, do it. If he thinks that's best, the taker has responsibility," he said.

Aguero issues apology

After the game, Ageuro issued an apology for the penalty miss, admitting it was a bad miss by him.

 

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