Yesterday’s FA Cup final defeat was the perfect encapsulation of Manchester City’s season | OneFootball

To say that Manchester City’s season has been disappointing would be an understatement. It has been riddled with injuries, strange team selections and a lack of quality in City’s performances. But perhaps yesterday’s 1-nil defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup was the perfect encapsulation of Manchester City’s season. Pep Guardiola’s side played well enough to win the game yesterday, but it wasn’t to be. That’s been the story of the 24/25 season for Manchester City.

Manchester City had their chances yesterday, but it wasn’t to be.

Manchester City had their chances yesterday to beat Crystal Palace. But they were foiled by an inspired Dean Henderson in the Palace goal. We have seen this across Manchester City’s performances this season. They’d dominate a game but fail to take their chances. Crystal Palace scored with their first attack yesterday through Eberechi Eze in the 16th minute. That has also happened on a host of occasions this season. Pep Guardiola’s side failed to seize the initiative in yesterday’s FA Cup when they had it. That has cost them on several occasions throughout the 24/25 season.

Too much was left to too few yesterday. Savinho toiled away on the right wing. He was arguably City’s most dangerous attacking weapon before he was substituted. Kevin De Bruyne ran himself into the ground in his final cup final for Manchester City. But he couldn’t inspire his team on the day. There was a glimpse at what Claudio Echeverri could provide to Pep Guardiola’s squad yesterday. But he was denied by Dean Henderson on several occasions. So while Echeverri’s cameo was full of promise, ultimately it was about all that could be taken from yesterday’s defeat for Manchester City.

One moment in the first half at Wembley summed up Manchester City’s season.

But if one moment perfectly encapsulated Manchester City’s season. It came when Omar Marmoush saw his first-half penalty saved by Dean Henderson. But the moment that led up to it summed up City’s season. Erling Haaland gave the penalty to Omar Marmoush, which was an unexpected sight. The moment appeared to be made for Haaland. But he passed it up, and Marmoush saw his penalty well saved by Dean Henderson. Haaland has scored 30 goals this season, but he has missed penalties and squandered chances across this season. Perhaps that played on his mind at Wembley. But that decision did stand out from yesterday’s match.

Speaking about the decision from Erling Haaland not to take the penalty yesterday, Pep Guardiola was surprised that Haaland didn’t take the first-half spot kick. In quotes relayed by ESPN, the City manager said: “They decided on the pitch. I don’t know. I didn’t speak with them. I thought he [Haaland] would want to take it. These are things for them. That moment for the free kick, for the penalty, it’s the feeling and how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it. Henderson made a good save.”

Yesterday’s FA Cup final defeat was the perfect encapsulation of Manchester City’s season. It had everything that has defined City’s 24/25 campaign. Missed chances, strange team selections and more defined yesterday’s match. Crystal Palace took their chance and created history in the process. But coming out of the game it was an opportunity lost for Manchester City. That’s what the entire 24/25 season has been for Pep Guardiola’s side.