Pundit issues Erling Haaland penalty claim after Pep Guardiola decision during Man City vs Sheffield United

BBC pundit Leon Osman has explained why Erling Haaland likely missed out on taking Manchester City’s spot-kick in their FA Cup semi-final.

City went ahead against Sheffield United at Wembley just before half-time after Bernardo Silva was tripped in the box. It was a stonewall penalty for Pep Guardiola’s men, and Riyad Mahrez made no mistake from spot, finding the inside of the side-netting with a superb strike to send Wes Foderingham the wrong way.

Though, many were left wondering why City’s top scorer Haaland was not chosen to take the penalty as he looks to reach 60 goals across all competitions by the end of the season.

According to BBC pundit and former Premier League star Osman, there is a simple explanation.

“A brilliant penalty. Not only does he send the keeper the wrong way but he puts it right inside the post,” he said on the BBC. “The goalkeeper wouldn't have had a chance had he gone the right way. For people wondering why Erling Haaland wasn't stood over it, that's exactly why. The rule generally is if you miss one then you're off them and someone's waiting. Even Erling Haaland has to be a part of the team.”

Haaland, of course, missed a penalty during City’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich during the week, and that effort may well be the reason behind the change of takers at Wembley on Saturday.

Speaking about the penalty decision itself, Osman added: “The contact is a definite penalty. It's real naive defending by a young striker. Loses track of the ball, has a big swipe at it. Bernardo Silva looks like he's quicker to the ball and once that swipe comes in he's going to take the contact.”