Sunday 19 April 2015 13:59, UK
Everton boss Roberto Martinez insisted Romelu Lukaku is the only designated penalty taker after his side missed another in the 1-0 win over Burnley.
There was a furore after Kevin Mirallas took the penalty-taking duties from Leighton Baines in January against West Brom. This time it was Ross Barkley who stepped up against Burnley, but he also missed.
Despite Baines, scorer of 15 from 16 from the spot, being on the field Barkley was the preferred option.
"Romelu is the penalty taker. After that there are three or four players who can take the penalties," Martinez told Sky Sports.
"There is no such thing as a best penalty taker. I don't agree with penalty takers being designated apart from Romelu being on the pitch.
"We have Leighton Baines who is a specialist, Gareth Barry who has an incredible record - it depends on how you feel at that moment.
"Ross showed incredible responsibility and Leighton Baines was happy to given him that responsibility."
The 29th-minute winner scored by Mirallas, which made it 13 points from the last five matches for Everton, but the Belgian was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a dangerous looking challenge on Clarets’ forward George Boyd.
However, despite Burnley manager Sean Dyche being clearly angered by the decision, Martinez feels referee Mike Jones got the decision right.
"I don't think it is a red card. He stands on his feet. He is well controlled when the referee gives the challenge," Martinez added.
"It is just a normal action. Not malicious from Kevin, a typical striker's challenge."
