Liverpool's Diogo Jota Responds To Alan Shearer Penalty Criticism

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has responded to Alan Shearer’s criticism. The row between the two started after Jota earned a late penalty during Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day. Mohamed Salah made no mistake in converting the penalty and Liverpool went on to win the contest 4-2 at Anfield.

Referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to award a penalty to Liverpool triggered controversy as there was little contact between the Magpies custodian Martin Dubravka and Jota.

Following the game, Shearer had called Jota’s successful attempt to win a penalty against Newcastle United as “f****** embarrassing”. Jota has now responded by stating that he would “rather put the ball in the net” than win a penalty.

“Listen, of course, I saw some comments from ex-players and people who are paid to talk about situations. The only thing I can say is even the keeper said it was a touch and I didn’t feel the conditions to stay up. So that’s it. Would I rather put the ball in the net than see Mo take a penalty? Yes, of course. That’s what I like to do – to score goals. That’s all I have to say,” Jota, was quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.

One of the finest goal-scorers ever to represent Arsenal, Ian Wright also appeared to be unhappy with Jota’s action in the game against Newcastle United. “Would rather go down for a penalty than put the ball in an empty net! Seen it all,” Wright had written on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Irrespective of the criticism, Jota has been quite impressive for Liverpool so far this season. Having featured in 15 matches in the current Premier League campaign, the Portuguese international has registered seven goals and two assists.

Overall, Jota has scored 52 Liverpool goals in 135 matches since joining the Merseyside-based outfit in 2020. Despite dealing with injury issues, the 27-year-old’s performance in a Liverpool jersey has certainly been commendable.

In his latest appearance against Bournemouth, Diogo Jota recorded a brace and an assist to earn a convincing 0-4 win for Liverpool.

Apart from Jota, Uruguay international Darwin Nunez netted the other two goals for the Reds. With 48 points from 21 matches, Liverpool are now sitting atop the Premier League standings. Second-placed Manchester City are five points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men. However, Manchester City still have one game in hand over Liverpool.