The 24-year-old came in as a substitute in the 70th minutes, but he was so influential ever since he came on the pitch.
Balotelli took the responsibility upon him self to take the penalty after Jordan Ibe was fouled in the last 10 minutes of the game, he collected the ball from the stand in captain Henderson and appeared to get in disagreement with both the Midfielder and the striker Daniel Sturridge. Henderson look over to the bench but there was no signal..
But striker Balotelli insisted in taking it since he has only missed just 2 out of the 28 penalties he has taken scoring 26 penalties before the Thursday game and appeared determined to take the spot kick, placing the ball on the spot kick and slotted it in beautifully by sending the keeper the wrong way.
The goal was Mario Balotelli's fourth the season and his second in Europe.
The striker celebrated the goal with his team-mates including their team captain of the night Henderson,who initially acknowledged the goal by tapping the striker on shoulder, before Balotelli pulled him back for a hug.
In the reports and interview with Henderson on ITV concerning the spot kick he said "It was a big goal,"
"I wanted the penalty, Mario felt confident he has taken big penalties before. Everyone wants to take them. i felt confident in Mario, he has taken big penalties before and he got the nod."
The Italian also has this to say after he took the penalty away from his captain on Instagram :
And .. Thank all of you supporters . Thanks with all my heart. You are great. Now let's think about sunday match
Video footage of Balotelli Penalty kick
Video footage of Balotelli Penalty kick
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