Guardiola surprised as Haaland declines FA Cup final penalty

LONDON: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted he was caught off guard when Erling Haaland declined to take a first-half penalty in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. With City trailing 1-0 after Eberechi Eze’s early strike, the team had a golden chance to equalize when Bernardo Silva was fouled by Tyrick Mitchell in the box.

Despite being City’s main goal threat, Haaland passed up the opportunity, allowing Omar Marmoush to take the spot-kick instead. It was Marmoush’s first penalty for the club, and the occasion proved daunting as his effort was saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

“I thought he would want to take it but they didn’t speak,” Guardiola told reporters. “That moment for the penalty, it’s the feeling and how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it. Omar took a lot of time when the ball was stopped, so it put more pressure on him, and Henderson made a good save.”

Haaland, who has yet to score in five Wembley appearances for City, faced criticism from pundits including Wayne Rooney, who questioned the striker’s mentality in high-pressure moments.

“He’s a world-class forward,” said Rooney, “but when we are talking about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no way they are giving that ball away. That’s what separates them—self-belief and the desire to score every time they step on the pitch.”

City’s missed opportunity proved costly as Palace held on to win the final 1-0.