West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph had a dreadful record against Bournemouth before today, and it certainly seems like luck is rarely on his side against the Cherries.
The Irish international had conceded 20 goals in his last four games against Eddie Howe’s side – 16 in three appearances for Birmingham and four last season as Bournemouth got the upper hand in a seven-goal thriller at Upton Park.
But he’ll have hoped the tide is beginning to turn after the home side squandered not one but two opportunities from the penalty spot in the first half at the Vitality Stadium.
Josh King converted from 12 yards against Manchester United last week, but this time around he slotted wide after sending Randolph the wrong way.
Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images
Michail Antonio put the visitors ahead less than 60 seconds later, but King brought the home side level not long after.
Then, about 10 minutes before the break, José Fonte brought down Marc Pugh and referee Bobby Madley pointed to the spot for a second time.
King wasn’t running the risk of repeating Saido Berahino’s misfortune for West Brom last season and left spot-kick duties to Benik Afobe, only for the ex-Arsenal striker to see his tame penalty held by Randolph.
The reaction on Twitter was a mix of shock, sympathy and schadenfreude, depending on your allegiances.
Bournemouth have missed two penalties in the first half vs. West Ham. Hope your day is going better than theirs.
— James Tyler (still) (@JamesTylerESPN) March 11, 2017
Bournemouth missing more pens than your local Argos.
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) March 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/muzrobertson/status/840587736759308289
Bournemouth missed two pks? They want to move into "the" relegation zone so bad
— #ENDSARSNOW 🐝 (@shecynder) March 11, 2017
They might not be the first team to miss two Premier League penalties in the same game of late, but they’re the first this century to do so in the first half of a game.
2 – Bournemouth are the first side to miss 2 penalties in the first half of a PL game since Aston Villa v Wimbledon in Sep 1998. Wayward.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 11, 2017
And, of course, there were plenty of Manchester United fans cursing their luck that Bournemouth’s penalty struggles didn’t begin seven days sooner.
Bournemouth missing two first half penalties. If only they could have missed one last weekend instead!
— Andrew Embling (@andrewcembling) March 11, 2017
Bournemouth couldn't miss the penalty last week but they're missing today for fun.
— Oskidhe (@Oskidhe) March 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/danielallen1410/status/840587936143929345
https://twitter.com/NathanCharles89/status/840587848835309568
Bournemouth missing 2 penalties today but last week Josh King thought he was Van Nistelrooy when he took one at Old Trafford
— Hi, My name is Joeogo – Dalot's Uncle (@SayNoMore33) March 11, 2017
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