The FA Cup final always delivers drama, but few could have predicted the moment that stunned fans at Wembley. Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City early on, breaking the deadlock with a lightning-quick counterattack that was clinically converted by Eberechi Eze. As the first half ticked down, and just twelve minutes remained before the break, City found a way back into the game — a rash foul on Bernardo Silva inside the box gifted them a penalty and a crucial chance to level the score.
Erling Haaland, City’s most prolific striker, stepped up to take the ball. But what followed was baffling. Instead of placing it on the spot himself, Haaland handed the responsibility to January signing Omar Marmoush. The decision sparked confusion and controversy.
This bizarre twist turned into a turning point in the match, triggering heated reactions from pundits and fans alike. Melbet.ng offers a place for fans to engage with high-stakes moments like this in their own way. Keep reading to discover the promo code MELGIFT.
The Penalty Incident: A Twist in the Tale
Tyrick Mitchell’s reckless challenge on Bernardo Silva appeared to leave little room for debate. Following a swift check by VAR, referee Stuart Attwell didn’t hesitate — he signaled for a penalty, shifting the momentum firmly in City’s favour. Haaland collected the ball, and with the stadium holding its breath, the expectation was clear: the Norwegian would take the shot.
But to everyone’s surprise, he passed the ball to Omar Marmoush. The forward stepped up, aiming low to the right. Dean Henderson, fully alert, dived the correct way and got a strong hand on the ball.
Even more impressively, Henderson sprang up instantly to block Haaland’s rebound attempt. The double save preserved Palace’s lead and injected belief into their game plan.
Alan Shearer’s Reaction: “No Chance!”
Alan Shearer, speaking during his BBC Sport commentary, was clearly taken aback by Haaland’s decision. The Premier League’s record goal scorer expressed his surprise, saying, “That’s a huge call from Erling Haaland… It’s got to be a mental thing — maybe he’s told them he’s not up for it.”
He emphasized that a striker of Haaland’s calibre, with 30 goals in the season, should never walk away from a penalty in a cup final. For Shearer, the moment demanded courage and leadership — and Haaland’s decision fell short.
“I wouldn’t even consider handing over a penalty in a cup final — not a chance,” Shearer emphasized, highlighting how decisive moments like these often shape the legacy of top players.
Debate Over Guardiola’s Influence
The conversation quickly shifted beyond Haaland. Did Pep Guardiola play a role in the decision? Several analysts, among them Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney, suggested that the decision to change penalty takers may have originated from the coaching staff. They speculated that the instructions to shift responsibility could have come directly from the bench.
If true, this opens up a broader tactical discussion. Was Guardiola trying to take pressure off his star forward, who had already missed three penalties this season? Or was it an effort to catch Palace off guard?
Such choices raise questions about trust and mental preparedness under pressure — something even elite teams struggle with in finals.
Dean Henderson: The Silent Hero
While the focus was on City’s penalty drama, Dean Henderson quietly built a case for Man of the Match. His anticipation and agility during the double save were top-tier.
Shearer praised Henderson for not reacting to Marmoush’s body language and staying focused. The keeper read the situation perfectly and executed with calm precision.
The saves shifted the energy in Palace’s favour, energizing both players and fans. In such tight contests, moments like these separate winners from nearly-men.
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Conclusion
Haaland’s penalty handover will remain one of the most debated choices of the FA Cup season. Whether it stemmed from personal doubt or a tactical order, the decision reshaped the match.
Alan Shearer’s sharp critique cut to the core: great players are remembered for how they handle pressure. Haaland, despite his scoring feats, missed a chance to step up.
For every football fan, this final was a reminder that one choice can tilt the balance. From the pitch to the stands — and even to the betting slip — timing and courage make all the difference.
