When the keeper moves early (try pausing the footage as Woodrow strikes it) and guesses the right way, there is much more to converting a penalty than two balls perfectly played to when all you have to do is a) jump, and b) stick out a leg.
So for the third goal, from the point of Brittain getting the ball, do you think Woodrow would've got himself into the box, got on the end of the cross and scored? Based on what I've seen this season, I don't. On the other hand, I'd back Dike to score the penalty.
I don't think he did much to get in there at all, he strolled in and stuck a leg out and it could have gone anywhere. As for the penalty, I don't think Dike could have placed that in that bottom corner with the keeper diving the right way, no. He may well have scored blasting the crap out of it mind you!
Sorry, but it's starting to read as if you'd made your mind up about Dike early and refuse to budge regardless of what he does.
I can't agree in the slightest with your description of Dike's goals. The second one, in particular, was the finish of a top class striker. It was the kind of goal I associate with Cavani, or even the great Jimmy Greaves.
Not at all. He's got power and pace and I've praised him on a very brave move at a time of global pandemic. I've not seen any evidence to the contrary of a more technical player. I think he's even said that himself that his areas to work on are being more technical with the ball? No?
Fair enough and thats your call. My opinion is the ball was so good it was harder not to score, but we're all different.
Yes, you have praised him personally for his bravery in making the move, and any criticism is purely on his playing ability, which is absolutely the right way around. Have thought you'd been critical of his ability at times, but apologise if that is not the case. But I cannot agree with the assessment that he just stuck a leg out for his second goal last night. He swept it in with his right foot for a start. As I've said earlier, there's probably only Morris that I would back to get into that position in the first place, take the shot on first time and on target with enough power to beat the keeper. If you'd asked last season, I'd have said Woodrow as well, but I think all the time he's spent as a 10 has affected the positions he takes up.
I don't think I'm being critical of him, I'm just not over egging what he's doing. He's had a good start and he's settling nicely. He's trying his best and giving all his effort and I can't knock that at all. I think its fair to say at this moment he hasn't demonstrated any particularly craft, quality technique or skilled trickery that would put him in the bracket some might wish to put him in. That may be just around the corner and I fully accept that our style of play really doesn't help forwards play football of that nature. I think he'd be utilised even more if we were able to hit on the counter because in the few instances where he has had room to run, he's shown a good amount of pace, so to just hit aimless balls for him to flick on to nobody seems another waste. We'll just have to agree to disagree re his finish. I've watched it back a few times and my view hasn't altered. It's a fantastic ball to a position the forward hasn't done much to get in to. He's strolled, the balls done the work, he's stuck out a leg and it's gone in.