Alan Shearer has criticized Erling Haaland for passing the ball to Omar Marmoush after Manchester City were granted a penalty in their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. It comes on a day Liverpool twice stole City’s thunder.
The Eagles had taken the lead through Eberechi Eze’s superb counter-attacking goal. However, twelve minutes before the break, City were given an excellent opportunity to level the score. Referee Stuart Attwell awarded a penalty after Tyrick Mitchell fouled Bernando Silva. That came moments after Dean Henderson was lucky to stay on the field.
Haaland initially took possession of the ball, but once VAR Jarred Gillett had confirmed the decision, he handed it over to Marmoush. The January recruit aimed his penalty towards Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s right side. But the Englishman anticipated correctly and deflected the ball with a strong right hand. He then quickly rose to his feet to also block Haaland’s subsequent attempt, preserving Palace’s valuable lead.
Many were surprised by Haaland’s decision to give Marmoush the ball, considering the Norwegian has netted 30 goals in all competitions this season. Some pundits, including Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney, speculated that manager Pep Guardiola instructed Haaland to pass the ball.
The forward has missed three penalties this season, scoring four. Despite this inconsistent record, Newcastle legend Shearer lambasted Haaland for so readily forfeiting the chance to become a hero for his team.
“That is a big decision from Erling Haaland as well, not to want that penalty. If he’s fit enough he’s on the pitch, he’s starting the game. So it must be mentally that he’s either said he doesn’t want it,” Shearer commented during his stint for BBC Sport.
(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“Or Pep doesn’t want him to take it. That is a big surprise to me, though. Not at all [would you pass it up]. Not when you’re in his position. Erling Haaland, who and what you are. He’s scored 30 goals this season.
“I’m only speaking from a personal point of view but I wouldn’t be prepared to give up a penalty in a cup final – no chance. Come to that I wouldn’t give one up in any game, let alone a cup final.”
While Shearer expressed his astonishment at Haaland’s decision, he also had words of commendation for Palace keeper Henderson. Despite being somewhat lucky to remain on the field following an earlier handball incident, Henderson’s performance did not escape Shearer’s positive critique.
He lauded: “What a save that is. He doesn’t fall for the bluff beforehand. He’s in control of that situation the goalkeeper.
“He guesses right and gets a big strong hand to keep that out. It really is an impressive save. Then he gets up really quickly again. A clever save it really was, quick along his line. Strong with his right arm. That is a huge save it really is. He’s had an interesting 35, 37 minutes.”
