PLAN B PAYS OFF FOR PEP

Guardiola works out how to shine without Haaland

- By Neil Moxley

THE CLOAK of invincibility may sit a little less snugly on Pep Guardiola’s shoulders these days but his season could still end in glory.

While his team have become accustomed to a multi-trophy assault in recent campaigns, this year it is only the FA Cup that they can lift. Rico Lewis’ early strike and Josko Gvardiol’s thumping header clinched a spot in their third final in a row, against Crystal Palace.

Guardiola’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were given a shot in the arm by a last-gasp victory against Aston Villa.