Guardiola explains Omar Marmoush’s penalty miss in FA Cup final defeat

Omar Marmoush (left): Manchester City FC media.

Pep Guardiola has explained why he thinks Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush missed a penalty in Manchester City's 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

In a post-match interview with City’s media, the Spaniard said he did not decide the penalty taker.

“I didn’t speak with them [Haaland and Marmoush]. They make a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative and they decide. In that moment, it’s how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it,” he said.

“Omar took a lot of time when the ball was stopped, and after he kicked it put more pressure on him, and Henderson made a good save.”

The deposed Premier League champions fell behind when Eberechi Eze scored in the first half. A chance for City to level matters presented itself with the Pharaohs’ forward taking a penalty.

A Palace player had fouled Bernardo Silva to earn Guardiola’s side the penalty in the 36th minute. Erling Haaland grabbed the ball seemingly wanting to take the penalty, but changed his mind after the VAR review. The Norwegian handed the ball to Marmoush, who eventually saw his effort saved by Dean Henderson.

The defeat means that City will finish the 2025 season empty-handed.