Why Erling Haaland didn't take Man City penalty in FA Cup final defeat vs Crystal Palace

Pep Guardiola revealed the decision to allow Omar Marmoush to take a penalty for Man City in their FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace was made by the players. City failed to make their dominance count as Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game to compound them to a rare trophyless season.

The Blues had an excellent opportunity to level the scores in the first half when they were awarded a penalty after Bernardo Silva was fouled in the box by Tyrick Mitchell. Erling Haaland initially stepped forward to take the spot kick before he handed the ball to January signing Marmoush.

The 26-year-old approached the ball with a stuttered run-up but saw his low effort saved by Dean Henderson, who many felt should not have been on the pitch. Henderson had earlier been involved in a controversial moment when he appeared to handle the ball outside of his box, but he was deemed not to have denied a clear goal scoring opportunity to Haaland.

Why Erling Haaland did not take Man City penalty vs Crystal Palace

Pep Guardiola might bemoan the decision for Dean Henderson to remain on the pitch after his controversial red card, but just as crucial was the penalty miss. Erling Haaland looked the likely candidate to take the spot-kick but instead the ball was handed to Omar Marmoush.

Speaking after the defeat, Guardiola admitted he had no say in who took the penalty against Crystal Palace. "They decided on the pitch. I don't know. I didn't speak with them, I don't know,” he said. “That moment is how they are feeling. They decided that Omar was ready to take it. I think he took a lot of time, to put more pressure on himself and Henderson made a good save.”