Don't blame selection for semi-final loss
Manchester Evening News|April 20, 2022
QUESTIONING PEP IS LUDICROUS, SAYS ALEX BROTHERTON
Don't blame selection for semi-final loss

CITY supporters were incredibly disappointed to suffer defeat in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, understandably so.

Missing out on the chance to play in the final and losing to a rival like Liverpool on such a big stage is always going to hurt. City have now lost three consecutive FA Cup semifinals, and have lost on each of their past three appearances at Wembley Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's side were abject in the first half, unable to escape Liverpool's aggressive press and blunt in attack. Two of the goals were completely avoidable too City's failure to properly mark known aerial threat Ibrahima Konate from a corner was compounded by Zack Steffen's horrendous error that gifted Sadio Mane his first goal.

Little could be done to prevent Mane's magnificent second, though the timing of it just before the break came as a sucker-punch.

To their credit, City fought valiantly in the second half, and if it weren't for some wasteful finishing from Gabriel Jesus, might have completed a remarkable comeback.

But it finished 3-2, and some fans needed someone to blame. As is often the case when things don't go well, Guardiola's team selection was widely called into question, a frankly ridiculous situation given the circumstances.

This story is from the April 20, 2022 edition of Manchester Evening News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 20, 2022 edition of Manchester Evening News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MANCHESTER EVENING NEWSView All
Mainoo hasn't hit heights of meteoric rise
Manchester Evening News

Mainoo hasn't hit heights of meteoric rise

ONE of the endearing sights amid United's celebrations after Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire hoisted the League Cup was of Erik ten Hag making a beeline for Kobbie Mainoo on the Wembley turf.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Capital gains can help push for top four
Manchester Evening News

Capital gains can help push for top four

SIR Jim Ratcliffe didn't mince his words when he sat down with journalists in February.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Pep's fears come true as injuries mount up
Manchester Evening News

Pep's fears come true as injuries mount up

BLUES COULD BE MISSING KEY STARS FOR GUNNERS CLASH

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
City injury-hit backline faces ultimate test
Manchester Evening News

City injury-hit backline faces ultimate test

PEP Guardiola is facing the biggest game of City’s season without three of his most valuable defenders available.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Novak reveals split with mentor Goran
Manchester Evening News

Novak reveals split with mentor Goran

NOVAK Djokovic has revealed he has split from coach Goran Ivanisevic.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Children's services apologise after death
Manchester Evening News

Children's services apologise after death

CHILDREN’S services have apologised after a review found safeguarding practice was inadequate in the final weeks of the life of a baby murdered not long after being handed back to his parents.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Global inspiration for Quays plans
Manchester Evening News

Global inspiration for Quays plans

NORWAY and Australia have been cited as the latest inspirations for Salford Quays.

time-read
1 min  |
March 28, 2024
'The Scouts failed to keep my child safe they need regulation'
Manchester Evening News

'The Scouts failed to keep my child safe they need regulation'

MUM DEMANDS ACTION AFTER TEENAGE SON DIED IN FALL ON EXPEDITION

time-read
3 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Clubs join forces to tackle tragedy chants
Manchester Evening News

Clubs join forces to tackle tragedy chants

UNITED and Liverpool have joined forces to launch an initiative aimed at eradicating tragedy chanting.

time-read
1 min  |
March 28, 2024
Landfill operator working to clear 'horrific stench'
Manchester Evening News

Landfill operator working to clear 'horrific stench'

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SAYS 90,000²M OF EXPOSED WASTE IS NOW COVERED

time-read
1 min  |
March 28, 2024