MX23RW : Wednesday, January 1 19:12:57| >> :120:11576:11576:

Newcastle winger Ritchie expects constant reminders of Burnley blooper

Newcastle winger Ritchie expects constant reminders of Burnley blooper
© Reuters
Ritchie shot wide from two yards in front of an open goal in Newcastle's 2-1 victory over Burnley.

Matt Ritchie expects to be reminded of his horror miss for the rest of his life but insisted it will not put him off going for goal.

The Newcastle winger made an unwanted entry into the list of worst Premier League bloopers when he somehow shot wide from two yards in front of an open goal during the 2-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night.

Asked how he would describe it, Ritchie said: "Horrific miss, horrendous, but that's life, it's football. I'll keep going, I'll keep plugging away, I'll keep getting my shots off. Luckily enough it's not cost us and I can smile about it but inside it hurts.

"I've got high expectations of myself so I'm devastated that I've missed the chance. I love scoring goals and I haven't got one this season yet.

"It's certainly been on my mind and to have a chance like that and not take it is so frustrating but the most important thing is that we had a fantastic performance, fantastic result and we keep going and we can keep building. We've got a good feeling."

The ribbing from team-mates had already started in the dressing room and Ritchie knows he will have to relive his howler every time a compilation of worst misses comes around.

"I'm sure it'll last forever," he said. "In the game I didn't really understand. I was thinking throughout the second half, 'How have I missed that?' and trying to concentrate on the game. I wasn't aware what really happened but I've seen it again and what an opportunity.

"I think I was celebrating before I put it in the net. It's a miss that I'll probably remember for the rest of my life but I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Newcastle were leading 2-1 having withstood fierce pressure at the end of the first half. Five minutes into the second period, DeAndre Yedlin took advantage of weak Burnley defending to break into the box. Joe Hart got a toe to his cross-shot but it appeared Ritchie had the simplest of tap-ins as the ball rolled to the back post.

"I gambled," said Ritchie. "I saw Yeds getting in and I know he's quick. I made a good run to the back post and just unbelievable. I can't believe I missed it.

"I'll move on. I'm a strong character and I'll make sure it doesn't affect me. I've dealt with setbacks in my career and that is a minor setback. I want to score goals, I want to help the team. I could have made it a little bit more comfortable. I've made an error but my goals will come for sure."

Ritchie's next chance will come against West Ham at St James' Park on Saturday, where Rafael Benitez's side will look to make it four wins in a row.

So what price a 30-yarder from Ritchie to bury his demons?

"That's the plan," he said.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Eleanor Crooks, Press Association Sport');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', 'fc3f0b4d-8274-48ed-b46d-0c2cd8eb2ff6');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Newcastle winger Ritchie expects constant reminders of Burnley blooper'});

ID:342724: cacheID:342724:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5171:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Matt Ritchie in action for Newcastle United on April 15, 2018
Read Next:
'Huge relief' for Matt Ritchie after Magpies secure third straight win
>
Read more about Matt Ritchie Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
3Arsenal18106235161936
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford187383232024
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!