‘End of’ – Leeds United fans settle Pascal Struijk penalty debate as surprise alternative mooted

Pascal Struijk’s missed shot at Cardiff City sparked debate over whether the Leeds United defender should stay on penalties – and fans have largely backed the Dutchman to return.

   Struijk had a chance to put Leeds 2-0 up just after the second hour in South Wales after seeing team-mate Jayden Bogle fouled in the Cardiff area, but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.    The centre-back’s strike was fairly tame and straight down the middle, adding to the tension for the visitors on a day when countless chances were missed following Largie Ramazani’s first strike.

   Joel Piroe eventually scored Leeds’ second goal late in the game and all three points returned to Elland Road, but questions have since been raised over Struijk’s status as a penalty taker.    Piroe is Farke’s first choice but is yet to start a league game, while Struijk made a solid save against Portsmouth in the season opener.

   Leeds have no shortage of quality finishers to turn to the next time they are awarded a penalty, but Struijk could easily retain the support of his manager with a record that still stands.    The YEP raised the issue of criminal liability on social media and supporters were quick to voice their thoughts.

   Steven Grayson noted Struijk’s decent record, writing: “He’s got 9 out of 10, but if Piroe is on the pitch, he’s our first-choice finisher.”

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   While Andre Arwas was scathing in his reasoning for keeping the defender from spot kicks: “Did people say that when Summerville missed a penalty in Cardiff? No, they didn’t. Pascal had never missed a competitive penalty until then. He’s a good penalty taker  Taker just had a bad one no one takes Harry Kane.
    
   Olly Salmon wrote: “Well everyone gets a bad one. All his other pens have been great. Keep it up.”    While Richard Baynes rightly charged Farke with his decision: “If a thief says he’s in the pens, he’s in the pens. That’s the end of it. Or we can just let the greediest take the ball like last season.”

   While Wayne Steel echoed earlier comments that Struijk remains a back-up to Piroe: “It was just that the keeper didn’t commit too much and let his legs go. They usually go for the dive. Piroe should play and take them. But if  I am not happy that Pascal continues to take them, as he has been successful in the past.”

   Leeds have plenty of confident forwards who are probably happy to take on the responsibility, but Lyndon Henstridge offered a slightly surprising alternative: “We assume it was discussed in training and Farke saw Pascal taking over and he’s happy. A few years ago he found  we’re in a shootout and I remember Firpo putting on a stunner.”