How 'unexplainable' Panenka ruined 'outstanding' Dango Ouattara performance in FA Cup thriller as Brentford bow out

React to this story

Joe Cole said Dango Ouattara’s Panenka against West Ham United was "unexplainable", while Glenn Hoddle said he "will absolutely regret" opting for that technique. The Brentford winger's spot-kick was saved by Alphonse Areola after attempting to chip it down the middle, and it proved costly, with it being the only miss in the shoot-out as West Ham advanced into the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals.

Cole: Ouattara was ‘outstanding’ despite 'unexplainable' Panenka miss

Video credit: TNT Sports

Joe Cole said Dango Ouattara’s Panenka was "unexplainable" after the winger’s saved spot-kick proved costly in Brentford’s penalty shoot-out defeat at West Ham United.

Keith Andrews’ men came from behind twice at the London Stadium to take the Emirates FA Cup fifth-round tie to extra time and penalties, with Igor Thiago’s brace cancelling out two goals from Jarrod Bowen.

But the east London side were flawless from the spot, claiming a 5-3 win in the shoot-out, with Outtara’s penalty the only one not to be converted.

Premier League

'Huge opportunity I couldn't turn down' - Chelsea sign Henderson on free transfer

Yesterday at 20:03

The 24-year-old opted for a Panenka - a chipped effort down the middle - but Alphonse Areola stayed where he was, meaning he was able to catch the effort with ease.

"He looked so confident," former West Ham midfielder Cole said on TNT Sports. "He took his time and looked in complete control, and he did that - it's unexplainable.

"He was outstanding, really good [through the 120 minutes], but that does not matter when you miss a penalty in a shoot-out.

Highlights: West Ham make quarters after Panenka miss stings Bees in shoot-out

Video credit: TNT Sports

"You don't want to chastise the lad, I hope he doesn't do it again in his career."

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle added: "He took so long, I think he had a thousand thoughts going through his mind, and when you're like that as a taker, you miss.

"The young lad will absolutely regret trying the Panenka at that time."

Aside from Ouattara’s saved effort, the standard of penalties was high at the London Stadium on Monday night.

Bowen and Thiago both converted from the spot in normal time before getting their sides off to strong starts in the shoot-out.

Keane Lewis-Potter and Mathias Jensen also found the back of the net for The Bees, but the damage had been done with their second effort.

West Ham, meanwhile, were emphatic with their remaining penalties, with Valentin Castellanos, Callum Wilson, Tomas Soucek, and Konstantinos Mavropanos all finding the top corner.

‘What was that all about?’ – Ouattara fails with Panenka attempt in shoot-out loss

Video credit: TNT Sports

Bowen said that winning on penalties made the victory "a little bit more special", with the West Ham captain hungry now to reach Wembley.

"It's a special feeling," he told TNT Sports. "I go back to the QPR game [in the third round] where, I don't want to say our season started, but we knew that was the chance to really turn the season around and give us confidence and belief.

"Every FA Cup game we've had has gone to extra time now, but we want to get to the final. We want silverware at this club. You can see it up there [on the stand] how many times they have won the FA Cup, and it is a dream of mine to win it."

He added: "As you can see, confidence comes from winning games. OK, we didn't win the game on the night, but we won it on penalties, which makes it a little bit more special.

"You can hear it and see it, things are on the up for us."

The victory booked West Ham’s spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face Leeds United, who beat Norwich City 3-0 on Sunday.

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Premier League