Didier Drogba will be taking penalties on Sunday should Chelesea earn one in their title-deciding home clash with Wigan. The Ivorian is fighting it out with Wayne Rooney at the top of the Premier League scoring charts and, in a bid to snatch the Golden Boot from the United man, he has struck a deal with Frank Lampard to take on spot-kick duties…
“Three years ago, I finished above him [Rooney] and we didn’t win the league. There was something missing…But if there is a penalty to take, I have already agreed with Lampard that I will take it.”
The report is featured in today’s Sun newspaper – make of that what you will. It has been mirrored across several sources and, with quotes from Drogba, appears to carry some weight.
This looks to be significant news for Fantasy Managers as we prepare our final tinkerings going into the weekend. Eight of Frank Lampard’s 21 league goals this season have come from the penalty spot, so surrendering these duties against Wigan undoubtedly reduces his scoring potential – despite his current rich vein of form from open play. While that will worry Lampard owners, it may also cause would-be investors to think again.
In contrast Drogba’s stock will surely rise further. He is already up against a defence that will be lacking Titus Bramble – a defender that normally gives him a decent tussle. To compound matters, Sunday’s referee is Martin Atkinson. The statistics show that Atkinson has awarded nine penalties in his 30 matches this season – only the infamous Mike Dean has awarded more in the Premier League. Wigan have conceded five penalties this season – only four sides have given away more.
Lampard is currently leading Drogba in our Fantasy Premier League captains poll. It will be interesting to see if this latest revelation helps the striker close the gap before Sunday’s deadline.
*Edit* Carlo Ancelotti has apparently indicated in his press conference today that Frank Lampard will take Chelsea’s first penalty should they be awarded one against Wigan. I’ve yet to find a link to help confirm this but will provide one as soon as one is available.