Newcastle United put six past Preston North End in the EFL Cup, with Matt Ritchie scoring from the spot.
Newcastle United midfielder Matt Ritchie has told talkSPORT (broadcast 26/10/2016) that the team comes first and that is why he would not like Aleksandar Mitrovic take a second half penalty in their 6-0 win over Preston North End.
The Scotland international put the Magpies 3-0 up after winning and converting from the spot, but the bigger drama came before the penalty was taken when Mitrovic appeared to beg Ritchie to give him the ball in front of a huge St James’ Park crowd.
The winger refused and smashed the penalty into the roof of the net, and explained why he would not let the 22-year-old take it.
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie talks with Aleksandar Mitrovic before he scored their third goal from the penalty spot
“I’m the penalty taker,” Ritchie told talkSPORT.
“Mitro, obviously he’s a striker. Everyone wants to score as much goals as possible but the most important things about the team.
“He’s a top striker and when he plays he’ll score goals for sure.”
While Mitrovic was desperate to get his second goal of the game, which he actually got three minutes later, Ritchie was well within his rights to turn the big man away.
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie celebrates scoring their third goal from the penalty spot with Aleksandar Mitrovic and teammates
The refusal showed just how professional Ritchie is, rejecting the chance to go against team orders and hand over his role as penalty taker.
The attitude of the Newcastle players has improved so much under Rafael Benitez, with every player knowing their job and always putting the team first. Fans may have wanted to see Mitrovic step up, but the summer signing was right to stuff the ball under his shirt and turn down his teammate.
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie scores their third goal from the penalty spot
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