Manchester City Stun Swansea with Late Winner as Pep Guardiola's Team Seize Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Spot
In a thrilling Carabao Cup quarter-final tie, Manchester City edged past stubborn Swansea 1-0, thanks to Omar Marmoush's decisive goal in the 77th minute. Rayan Cherki sealed the win for his team in stoppage time, sending Pep Guardiola's side through to the next round.
Marmoush's late strike, which flew into the roof of the net from a tight angle, proved to be the difference-maker as City continued their dominance over Swansea's defensive blockade. The Egypt striker, filling in for Erling Haaland, capitalized on Cherki's clever pass before beating Chelsea loanee Ishe Samuels-Smith with his quick feet.
Guardiola expressed relief and admiration for Marmoush, stating that strikers need goals to boost their confidence. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Swansea's well-organized defense, which featured five at the back and central defenders around the box.
City made 10 changes from their previous defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, with Oscar Bobb being the only player to feature in both games. The team's youth squad shone through, as Divine Mukasa started in goal for Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki were among those promoted from the bench.
Despite City's previous visit to Swansea ending 3-1 in the same competition in 2021, Guardiola was mindful of the challenge posed by Swansea's defensive solidity. He noted that his team had missed a crucial pass in the second half, which ultimately cost them a goal.
In contrast, Swansea began brightly, with Gonçalo Franco scoring a stunning first-time strike in the 12th minute. However, City's dominance eventually told, as they pushed Swansea's defense to breaking point. Doku and Cherki both had chances before Marmoush sealed the win in stoppage time.
Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan acknowledged that his team had been outclassed by City's quality, particularly in the second half. He praised the Belgium international Doku, who was electric down the left flank but ultimately could not find a way past Swansea's defense.
The result sets up an intriguing Carabao Cup quarter-final tie for Manchester City against Brentford, while Swansea will regroup and look to bounce back from this defeat.
In a thrilling Carabao Cup quarter-final tie, Manchester City edged past stubborn Swansea 1-0, thanks to Omar Marmoush's decisive goal in the 77th minute. Rayan Cherki sealed the win for his team in stoppage time, sending Pep Guardiola's side through to the next round.
Marmoush's late strike, which flew into the roof of the net from a tight angle, proved to be the difference-maker as City continued their dominance over Swansea's defensive blockade. The Egypt striker, filling in for Erling Haaland, capitalized on Cherki's clever pass before beating Chelsea loanee Ishe Samuels-Smith with his quick feet.
Guardiola expressed relief and admiration for Marmoush, stating that strikers need goals to boost their confidence. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Swansea's well-organized defense, which featured five at the back and central defenders around the box.
City made 10 changes from their previous defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, with Oscar Bobb being the only player to feature in both games. The team's youth squad shone through, as Divine Mukasa started in goal for Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki were among those promoted from the bench.
Despite City's previous visit to Swansea ending 3-1 in the same competition in 2021, Guardiola was mindful of the challenge posed by Swansea's defensive solidity. He noted that his team had missed a crucial pass in the second half, which ultimately cost them a goal.
In contrast, Swansea began brightly, with Gonçalo Franco scoring a stunning first-time strike in the 12th minute. However, City's dominance eventually told, as they pushed Swansea's defense to breaking point. Doku and Cherki both had chances before Marmoush sealed the win in stoppage time.
Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan acknowledged that his team had been outclassed by City's quality, particularly in the second half. He praised the Belgium international Doku, who was electric down the left flank but ultimately could not find a way past Swansea's defense.
The result sets up an intriguing Carabao Cup quarter-final tie for Manchester City against Brentford, while Swansea will regroup and look to bounce back from this defeat.