
Originally Posted by
Syn
The reason strikers attempt to go far post is because the goalkeeper is at the near post, not because it's easier to hit it far post than near post. It was easier for Van Persie to sidefoot it near post than cut through it far post. To me that seems like common sense not just because the technical difficulties of controlling a shot through the laces but also because the angle is tighter. If this wasn't the case, the goalkeeping manual would tell goalkeepers to keep Reina's position but instead you're asked to keep your near post covered.
Szczesny should have saved Ben Arfa's too - I remember saying that at the time. Though the shot was more accurate and lower down. I realise it's not just as simple as 'near post...should save it' but the angle where Van Persie hit it from, the height of the shot and the fact that it was a controlled shot rather than belted, I think it was very save-able.