Omar Marmoush sends message to Ilkay Gundogan after Man City goal controversy
Ilkay Gundogan received responses from Omar Marmoush and Jack Grealish on social media following Man City’s FA Cup comeback win against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Erling Haaland was handed the perfect chance to get Pep Guardiola‘s side off to the ideal start on 30 March, only to be denied from the penalty spot by Kepa Arrizabalaga after 14 minutes.
Just seven minutes later, the Vitality Stadium erupted as Evanilson took advantage of the missed spot-kick to put the home side ahead, with the Citizens desperately needing to make changes at half-time.
Nico O’Reilly, who replaced Abdukodir Khusanov during the break, made an instant impact, setting Haaland up for a much-needed equaliser just four minutes into the second half.
With the Norwegian star needing to be replaced, Marmoush was given license to cause chaos, hitting the back of the net just two minutes after entering the pitch, O’Reilly the provider once again.
However, Keith Hackett told Football Insider that referee Stuart Attwell had a “difficult decision” to make as Marmoush’s goal for Man City could have been chalked off due to a handball in the build-up.
Omar Marmoush seals Man City victory despite Bournemouth complaints
Taking to Instagram [30 March], Gundogan wrote: “What a great day! Reaching the FA Cup semi-finals & Eid Mubarak! Wishing all those who are celebrating a joyful and peaceful Eid”.
Marmoush, who netted following the controversy surrounding Bernardo Silva, simply responded: “What a player,” while Grealish replied with two blue hearts.
Pep Guardiola escapes further Man City pressure as FA Cup semi-final spot secured
Football Insider verdict
Man City supporters have been extremely frustrated by Guardiola this season, and had the team fallen out of the FA Cup to the Cherries, it would have been a difficult end-of-season run-in for him.
While Champions League qualification is still very much on the cards, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Brighton are fighting for the same position, which could see City miss out for the first time since 2011.
| Premier League standings | Points |
| 3. Nottingham Forest | 54 |
| 4. Chelsea | 49 |
| 5. Man City | 48 |
| 6. Newcastle | 47 |
If the Blues do miss out on a top-four spot this season but lift the FA Cup trophy, Guardiola’s side would be battling in the Europa League next season, which will anger supporters even further.
Falling out of the Champions League could have drastic consequences for the summer transfer window, with some suggesting that Haaland already regrets his new bumper deal at Man City.
Kevin De Bruyne could be another leaving City this summer, and with a potential changing of the guard, Guardiola will need as many advantages at his disposal to bring new players to the Etihad.