Pardew hoping Crystal Palace don’t pay for missed penalties

Alan Pardew knows how damaging missed penalties can be come the end of the season, with the Crystal Palace manager eager for his troops to up their game from 12 yards.

The Eagles missed two penalties in their first eight Premier League games this season, with Yohan Cabaye failing to convert the first against Bournemouth back in August.

Big-money signing Christian Benteke then missed when Palace were awarded a spot-kick against West Ham last weekend.

But Pardew has revealed the Belgian striker has been practising his penalties as Crystal Palace hope it is third time lucky.

“We have had two penalties so far this season. We can’t afford to miss a third, as that really will be damaging,” said the boss.

“Two penalty misses could have cost us three points, maybe more, so you can’t afford not to finish your penalties in the Premier League.

“Christian was back out practising penalties this week in training, you’ll be pleased to hear.

“It is very difficult to replicate it, though (in matches). I have had many conversations about taking penalties in training, and taking penalties in the game is a different ball park.”