Lookman admits he couldn't describe the devastation of missed penalty

Ademola Lookman opens up about the ‘devastation’ of botched Panenka penalty against West Ham as on-loan Fulham forward insists they can ‘most definitely’ avoid relegation despite being six points adrift from safety

  • Ademola Lookman missed the infamous penalty against West Ham in November
  • But he’s responded with strong performances as Fulham look to avoid the drop 
  • Lookman has scored three times since making his loan switch from RB Leipzig
  • He scored his first goal for Fulham against tonight’s opponents, Sheffield United
  • Lookman is confident of Premier League survival despite being six points adrift 

Ademola Lookman admitted that he was devastated when he missed the infamous Panenka penalty against West Ham, but he’s now focused on keeping Fulham in the Premier League after a string of good performances.

The penalty incident occurred back in November, when a struggling Fulham side were looking to snatch a late point against West Ham – this after Tomas Soucek had scored what he thought was a 91st-minute winner. 

Lookman stepped up, but instead of putting his laces through it, a weak Panenka attempt went straight into the hands of Lukasz Fabianski.

Ademola Lookman was left devastated after his failed Panenka penalty against West Ham

It garnered plenty of negative media attention, not just because of the manner in which he attempted to take it, but because of the match situation.  

In an interview with The Guardian, Lookman said that it a was a low point for him, but he added that he was determined to put it right. 

‘When that incident happened I couldn’t even describe the devastation,’ Lookman said. 

‘I can only try to atone for that error. That was a key thing which people told me after that moment happened – it is about how I come back and use it to turn it into something positive.’ 

The penalty would’ve given struggling Fulham a much-needed stoppage-time point 

And while the results haven’t always been going Fulham’s way, he’s played a big part in his side’s improved performances. They’ve only lost once away from home since then – a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

There is, though, still a lot for the west Londoners to do if they want to stay in the Premier League. They currently sit in 18th – six points behind Newcastle. But is Lookman confident of keeping them up?

‘Most definitely,’ Lookman said. 

‘We all believe it’s about us sticking to the task and working hard every day. We can do it and my focus is to help keep the team in the Premier League.’ 

Lookman’s first goal for Fulham was against Sheffield United in October – tonight’s opponents

The 23-year-old has scored three times for the side since he joined the side from RB Leipzig back in September – his first coming against tonight’s opponents Sheffield United.

He said that his best moment though was when he scored against Leicester. It happened just three weeks after the penalty miss – a moment that went a long way towards redeeming himself.  

‘I’m always thinking of being better and where the team is. But the highlight for me would probably be Leicester away.

‘We won 2-1 and that mattered more than anything.’

Lookman said his goal in Fulham’s victory against Leicester as his best moment this season




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