Leeds United’s penalty shootout win over West Ham came alongside an eye-catching debut for Irons youngster Finlay Herrick in goal.
After the international break, the last thing either Leeds or West Ham needed in the bid to stay up was injury concerns.
Of course, fighting for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals meant taking a risk or two with injuries. Leeds left the game battered and bruised, but one of the big talking points late on was an injury to Irons ‘keeper Alphonse Areola. That setback meant a debutant was forced between the sticks for the shootout, Finlay Herrick.
Finlay Herrick causes Leeds United stir with bold antics during West Ham penalty shootout
The 20-year-old Herrick coming on shortly before the shootout was yet another big twist in a chaotic afternoon at the London Stadium.
For his debut, Herrick had little to lose knowing that any saves from Leeds’ penalties would give him the chance to be a hero. And, he started as he meant to go on, denying a terrible effort from Joel Piroe to begin the shootout.
What caught the eye was Herrick’s antics after stopping Leeds’ first penalty. The youngster showed plenty of confidence in his celebration, which has irked a lot of Leeds fans online.
Ultimately, I didn’t find anything wrong with a confident youngster on his debut. We’d love it if a Leeds youngster did the same. That said, those who were angered by Herrick had the last laugh as Leeds stuck the ball past him four times to win the shootout, as Lucas Perri saved two of his own.
Finlay Herrick reacts to West Ham v Leeds United debut after controversial antics
Despite the Irons’ heartbreak at the end of the game with Pascal Struijk wrapping a superb winning penalty off the post, Herrick is delighted.
He won’t be heading to Wembley like us, but it’s a memorable moment nonetheless.
“Grateful for the opportunity and what an experience,” he wrote on Instagram. “So proud to make my debut for this great club!!
“Disappointed we couldn’t get it across the line, but that was a moment I’ll remember forever!
“Thanks to my family, coaches, supporters and my team that have helped me get here.”
Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with showing a bit of passion and bite. He came on for his debut in the fact of such a huge penalty shootout.
You would imagine his nerves were racing ahead of that shootout. And, to stop Piroe in the first spot-kick will have been massive for him.
Just a shame he picked the ball out of the net four more times, so Leeds had the last laugh.
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