Alan Shearer and Tim Sherwood simply weren’t having Dean Henderson celebrating his penalty save during Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, as they told Premier League Productions (28/08/22 at 6:40 pm).
At 1-0, Spurs were awarded a spot-kick and Henderson was lining up to face his England teammate Harry Kane, but for the third time during the five penalties he has faced in the Premier League, the on-loan Manchester United star denied his fellow countryman.
Given the sunshine blazing down on the City Ground, Henderson was donning a cap, and after initially celebrating his save, when Forest were awarded a free-kick moments later, he then proceeded to take off his cap and celebrate even further.
At the time, it seemed to be a big moment in the match because there was only one goal in it, only for Kane to take the game away from the newly-promoted side towards the end of the match.
As Manchester United fans will know too well, including Sheffield United supporters, Henderson isn’t a shy individual and he will stick his chest out.
But his celebration when Forest were losing yesterday didn’t sit well with former Blackburn Rovers duo Shearer and Sherwood, who told him to ‘concentrate’ on keeping the ball out of the net.
“It’s a really, really good save,” said Shearer. “He obviously knows Harry because he has played with him at England. Perhaps he knows what’s his favourite side.
“I’m not sure of the reaction when they are 1-0 down and you have a reaction like that. It’s a little bit different, isn’t it?! Yes, it’s a good save, but I am not sure it warrants that.”
Sherwood then added: “No, not at all (Sherwood not having Henderson’s celebrations). That’s why he is there, to make saves. He’s a goalkeeper and you have to keep the ball out of the net.
“It’s like being 5-0 down in a game, then Alan (Shearer) scoring a consolation and running around the pitch doing a lap of honour. It’s different if you are going to win the football match. You are still 1-0 down! That’s what he is saying ‘I have done my job and looked good’. No, concentrate on keeping the ball out of the back of the net.”
THE CELEBRATION POLICE ARE OUT IN FULL FORCE
It seems as though you can’t celebrate these days!? Arsenal won four out of four Premier League games on Saturday when they came from behind to beat Fulham.
After the game, there was a party-like atmosphere in the stands, including Mikel Arteta showcasing his delight on the sidelines.
But it seems as though the celebration police were out in full force because Arsenal were criticised for celebrating.
And now, Henderson is in the firing line for showcasing his delight at saving a penalty, it’s not like Forest were 3-0 down with ten minutes left, it was only 1-0, it could have been a big turning point in the game and it was understandable why he was so delighted.
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