The most successful penalty-takers in history all say the same thing – “Pick a spot and don’t change your mind.”
It’s almost universally recommended that those players entrusted with converting spot-kicks stick to their guns when they decide on a direction from 12 yards.
Second-guessing and doubt so often leads to panic in the takers which is why the likes of Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier definitively advise youngsters to remain faithful to their first instincts.
But if Charlie Austin had taken their advice, his Southampton side would have had to settle for a point at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers had come from 2-0 down to 2-2 and would definitely have settled for the draw prior to injury time, when a penalty was awarded to the hosts.
There was plenty of gamesmanship on show as the visitors attempted to put Austin off his game while he prepared to make it a victory for the Saints.
And, apparently, he has Hammers captain Mark Noble to thank for the three points.
Get the thoughts of @chazaustin10 after his late penalty earned #SaintsFC their first #PL win of the season: pic.twitter.com/laVXqvSiLW
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 19, 2017
In his post-match interview, Austin revealed that a warning from Noble resulted in him changing his mind at the last minute before ultimately finding the net.
“To be fair, I was going to go to the ‘keeper’s right,” Austin said.
“Then Noble said to me that ‘he knows where you’re going,’ so I changed my mind right at the end so it was well handy.
“I said thanks to him!
“Just before I kicked it, I think he told me where he thought I was going and I just decided to roll it into the other side.”
