Pep Guardiola explains Man City penalty switch and responds to Dean Henderson incident

Manchester City’s hopes of lifting the FA Cup were dashed as Crystal Palace claimed a historic 1-0 victory at Wembley. Pep Guardiola, the City manager, was left frustrated by both the missed penalty and a controversial incident involving Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The game was a high-stakes clash, and Guardiola’s reaction to the events has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.

City’s golden opportunity to equalize came in the first half after Tyrick Mitchell brought down Bernardo Silva in the box. As the usual penalty taker, Erling Haaland initially picked up the ball, seemingly prepared to take on the responsibility. However, to the surprise of many, Haaland handed the ball to Omar Marmoush, who had never previously taken a penalty for City. Marmoush’s low strike was saved by Henderson, preserving Palace’s 1-0 lead established by Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute goal.

After the match, Guardiola addressed the unexpected penalty switch, saying, “I don’t know, I didn’t speak to them. They made a decision. They decide.” His brief response highlighted a sense of detachment from the choice made by his players on the pitch. While Guardiola is known for his meticulous planning and attention to detail, this incident seemed to catch even him off guard.

The decision to let Marmoush take the penalty raised eyebrows among City supporters, with some questioning why Haaland, who boasts an impressive penalty record, stepped aside. Guardiola did not elaborate on whether there had been any pre-game discussion regarding a change in penalty duties, leaving fans speculating whether it was an impromptu decision made in the heat of the moment.

Dean Henderson’s crucial save kept Palace’s dreams alive and marked a significant moment in the game. However, the goalkeeper’s actions shortly before the penalty sparked controversy. Under pressure from Haaland, Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his area. Pundits, including Wayne Rooney and Ian Wright, criticized the referee’s decision not to issue a red card, with Rooney emphatically stating, “It’s 100 percent a red card, how can they get this wrong?”

Guardiola, however, refrained from directly criticizing the officials, instead responding, “Ask the referee.” The Spanish tactician seemed unwilling to dwell on the decision, focusing instead on the team’s performance. Henderson himself appeared nonchalant about the incident, later saying, “The ball carried into my box and I knew it was fine – who cares?”

The heated exchange between Guardiola and Henderson after the final whistle added another layer to the drama. Photographs captured the pair in a tense confrontation, though Guardiola downplayed the significance of the altercation. “Nothing,” he said when asked to elaborate, showing no interest in prolonging the discussion.

Television replays fueled the debate, with fans and experts divided on whether VAR should have intervened. The lack of a red card for Henderson prompted calls for greater consistency in officiating. Rooney went as far as to criticize VAR itself, claiming it was “rubbish” and advocating for its removal.

For Crystal Palace, the victory marked a monumental achievement—their first major trophy. Eze’s early goal, along with Henderson’s heroics, ensured that the Eagles could celebrate an unforgettable triumph. Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised his team’s resilience and commended Henderson for maintaining composure under pressure.

Despite the loss, Guardiola remained gracious, acknowledging Palace’s success. “They defended well, they fought, and they took their chance,” he said. The defeat, however, left City fans contemplating what could have been, especially given the contentious nature of the penalty situation.

As the dust settles, Guardiola will undoubtedly look to rally his squad for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Palace’s fairy-tale victory will be celebrated long into the night, cementing their place in FA Cup folklore.