In a world of stuttered run-ups and panenkas, penalties are becoming an art form, and right now there aren’t many greater maestros than Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian was the epitome of cool on Saturday, stepping up in the 98th minute to earn three massive points for Brighton in a dramatic climax to their 2-1 win over Fulham.
It was a massive moment in Brighton’s season with the opportunity to land a huge blow in the race for Europe, but you wouldn’t have known it from the way Pedro made Bernd Leno and the best part of 31,000 fans wait.
Even after the referee’s whistle, he still waited another seven or eight seconds before shuffling up to the ball and calmly slotting home.
This great showman had the entire Amex in the palm of his hand, and you could tell he loved every second of it. But what is his secret?
‘He trains it a lot,’ revealed Fabian Hurzeler. ‘I think these things you can change, so it’s not only about shooting the penalty but understanding the situation is full of pressure.
Joao Pedro sealed all three points for Brighton in the 98th minute with a penalty
The Brazilian star has now netted 13 penalties since moving from Watford back in 2023
Jan Paul van Hecke revealed he would rather have Pedro than Mohamed Salah take a penalty
‘Everyone looks at you, you have to stay calm and find the right technique and find the right corner.
‘I think it’s a quality to score that many goals by a penalty.’
It was Pedro’s 13th penalty goal since joining Brighton in summer 2023, and this term his spot-kicks have directly earned four crucial points from either losing or drawing positions – without which the Seagulls would be 10th not sixth – and that kind of confidence bleeds into the team.
‘I would put it all on him,’ fellow goalscorer Jan Paul van Hecke admitted when asked if there was anyone else he would want taking the crucial penalty.
Even the great Mohamed Salah, though?
‘No. I think Joao Pedro at that moment for us is incredible.’
