Chelsea were eliminated from the Carabao Cup last 16 after a penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, with the spotlight falling on the 'stutter' run-up technique after two high-profile misses.
The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. In the shootout, Chelsea midfielder Valentin Barco hit the post with the team's fourth penalty after a stuttering run-up. Defender Wesley Fofana then sent his sudden-death effort high over the crossbar, sending Liverpool through to the quarter-finals.
The miss came a day after Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes saw his spot-kick saved following a similar stutter run-up as the Gunners crashed out against League Two side Fleetwood Town.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, who had never scored a senior goal in 319 professional appearances, converted the winning penalty with a straightforward run-up, powering the ball into the top corner.
World Cup statistics fuel discussion
The 'stutter' technique became a talking point at the 2026 World Cup, where 26 such penalties were taken and 11 were missed. Harry Kane also missed a stutter penalty in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, though he was granted a retake after the goalkeeper came off his line early and scored with a conventional approach.
FIFA rules permit a player to stop or feint during the run-up provided it is not done directly before striking the ball.
Expert opinions divided
Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta defended Barco's choice, saying every player picks a style where they feel confident. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy criticised the technique as "ridiculous, self-indulgence" and argued goalkeepers are no longer tricked. In contrast, former Liverpool and Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson supported the method, noting Barco had beaten the goalkeeper but lifted the ball inches wide.
Players such as Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Jorginho and Raul Jimenez have used the stutter style with varying success.
