Chelsea Fans Frustrated as Christopher Nkunku Misses Penalty in FA Cup Win Against Morecambe

Chelsea Fans Frustrated as Christopher Nkunku Misses Penalty in FA Cup Win Against Morecambe

Chelsea’s 5-0 victory over Morecambe in the FA Cup on Saturday was overshadowed by a penalty miss from Christopher Nkunku.

The Blues were heavy favorites against the League Two side in their third-round match at Stamford Bridge. They were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute after a handball by Morecambe, though the visiting team argued the ball had gone out of play before Joao Felix’s shot hit Yann Songo’o.

With regular penalty taker Cole Palmer on the bench, Nkunku stepped up to take the spot-kick but was denied by Morecambe goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne, who then made a remarkable save to stop Nkunku’s rebound.

Burgoyne also saved a shot from Felix, earning praise from commentators and fans alike. However, replays showed that Burgoyne had come off his line before saving Nkunku’s penalty. Since there was no VAR available for this round of the FA Cup, the penalty could not be retaken.

Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis commented on the save, saying, “Unfortunately, the goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne does come off his line. If VAR had been there, there would have been a retake of that penalty. But, there isn’t VAR and it’s a brilliant save for Morecambe.”

Arsenal legend Paul Merson also pointed out the goalkeeper’s mistake, saying, “The Morecambe keeper was miles off his line for the penalty.”

Chelsea fans took to social media to express their frustration, with some criticizing the officiating and others commenting on Nkunku’s penalty. One fan, @ClearlakeWon, wrote, “Keeper wasn’t on the line… but bad pen.”

Despite the penalty miss, Nkunku redeemed himself in the second half, scoring Chelsea’s second goal. Tosin Adarabioyo and Felix also netted goals, helping Chelsea secure a dominant 5-0 win and advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup, ending a four-match winless streak.