Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen enhanced his reputation as the Premier League's penalty king by saving Hugo Rodallega's late spot-kick to rescue a 2-2 draw against Wigan on Saturday. Sorensen has now saved penalties in three of his last four matches, but none were as vital as his last minute stop at the Britannia Stadium.
Wigan had taken the lead through Emmerson Boyce's early header, but Tuncay Sanli's first goal since his move from Middlesbrough brought the hosts level. A sensational goal from Maynor Figueroa, who beat Sorensen with a perfectly-placed dipping strike from inside his own half, restored Wigan's lead.
Ryan Shawcross equalised for Stoke moments later but a remarkable match featured one last piece of drama as Sorensen denied Columbia striker Rodallega from the spot. Wigan had snatched the lead in the 15th minute with a well-worked set-piece. Rodallega's header from a Jason Koumas free-kick was superbly saved by Sorensen, but Boyce was perfectly placed to dive in and head home as the Stoke goalkeeper laid prone on the turf.
Boyce was kicked in the head by Salif Diao in the process and then collided with Sorensen. Confusion briefly reigned as referee Mike Dean waved on the physios before finally signalling that he had allowed the goal.
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