Jonathan Kodjia - SOLD

[VillaAlways]

From the Mail. The reason he didn't take the pen

All strikers care about numbers and Kodjia is without doubt the same. But he recognised the boost it would give his attacking rival, who hasn’t found the net since the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on 11 September.

Kodjia clearly understands the role Gestede will have to play in January when he boards the plane with his country. A fantastic gesture from a fantastic player.

[peter w]

I absolutely don't like that. They're professionals playing a professional sport that is big business. it's not about trying to make your mate's feel better. And if he had missed? And then Cardiff go up the other end and equalise? Nice sentiments and all that but I hope Bruce has a word.

[Ads]

He didn't miss, so his decision was justified.

[Toronto Villa]

And it was a superbly taken penalty. No evidence of a lack of confidence at all from Rudy.

[peter w]

He didn't miss, so his decision was justified.

Not it wasn't. When Ormondroyd had score 2 against coventry 20 odd years ago, Platt the recognised penalty taker still took the spot kick and denied Ormondroyd his hat-trick. We should be professional at all times and just because he scored doesn't make the decision the right one. I want us to be ruthless. Not mates.

[Steve67]

I think it says a lot about the faith that Kodjia had in Gestede not to miss.  It shows how much of a team they are these days, rather than a load of individuals players.  Great gesture from a brilliant player and I applaud him.  Equally, if the likes of Hull really are interested in signing the big man, an extra goal can't do him any harm can it?

[Dave]

I absolutely don't like that. They're professionals playing a professional sport that is big business. it's not about trying to make your mate's feel better. And if he had missed? And then Cardiff go up the other end and equalise?

And if that extra bit of confidence means Gestede scores a late winner in a couple of game time when he might have otherwise tried to lay it off?

As Ads says, it worked so the choice was justified.

[olaftab]

He didn't miss, so his decision was justified.

Just because he didn't miss it does not make the decision right. If the nominated penalty taker is on the pitch he should take the pen. If the nominated penalty taker didn't fancy it than it was correct decision to switch however in that case the nominee  should be reconsidered. As peter w said it's not ruthless professionalism.

[olaftab]

Just in case anyone was wondering, I don't enjoy any of your posts.

They're all equally unenjoyable.

<barsteward>

[Chris Smith]

I absolutely don't like that. They're professionals playing a professional sport that is big business. it's not about trying to make your mate's feel better. And if he had missed? And then Cardiff go up the other end and equalise? Nice sentiments and all that but I hope Bruce has a word.

That word would probably go something like "now we have two proven penalty takers in the squad so if ever one is unavailable the other can step up".

Bruce has already shown that he is a pragmatist and I don't see him getting hung up about this. In any case after the 5 minutes Kodja had just had he was probably grateful he didn't have to take it.

[PGW]

It may be of course nothing more than Gestede just wanted the opportunity to score against his former club!!!

[dcdavecollett]

With Ayew, that's three penalty takers.

[Ads]

Gestede has only missed one penalty in his career. He's a professional, he's a forward, a penalty taker. Why is the risk in any way increased?

The ends justify the means. He scored, Kodjia was right.

[cdbearsfan]

With Ayew, that's three penalty takers.

Bacuna never missed one for Groningen and, despite his miss earlier this season, McCormack has a good penalty record.

We have a good few options there.

[Smirker]

No problem with Kodjia's decision.

Seems a nice guy on Twitter as well. Must be great to play in a side where your team mates look out for you and that can only be good for morale.

Well done Kodge.