Marmoush and Cherki end Swansea's resistance

For so long, Manchester City were stifled by Swansea’s defensive blockade.

- Ben Fisher

Omar Marmoush unleashes a roar after putting Manchester City ahead

Then, in the 77th minute, Omar Marmoush took matters into his own hands, rolling his marker and blasting a shot high into the roof of the net from a tight angle, paving the way to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.

Rayan Cherki, who teed up Marmoush, secured the win in stoppage time. Cherki accepted the challenge to stake a claim for a starting berth against Bournemouth on Sunday. When Marmoush swivelled on his heels past Ishe Samuels-Smith there was only one thing in his mind: his first City goal of the season. For Pep Guardiola, the relief was palpable and he punched the air as Cherki made sure of victory.

Guardiola made 10 changes from City’s defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, with Oscar Bobb the only survivor from their starting lineup, but the 18-year-old Divine Mukasa represented the only inexperienced player in the XI. James Trafford deputised for Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Marmoush, Cherki and Jérémy Doku were also promoted from the bench. Erling Haaland, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders were given the night off.