For so long, Manchester City were stifled by Swansea City’s defensive blockade. Then, in the 77th minute, Omar Marmoush took matters into his own hands, rolling his marker and blasting a shot high into the roof of the net from a tight angle, paving the way to the Carabao Cup quarter-final, where they will host Brentford. Rayan Cherki, who teed up Marmoush, secured the win in stoppage time.
It was a timely moment for Marmoush’s first City goal of the season and he seized a rare window of opportunity. When the Egypt striker, filling in for Erling Haaland, received Cherki’s pass and swivelled on his heels, eluding the Chelsea loanee Ishe Samuels‑Smith, there was only one thing in his mind. For Pep Guardiola, the relief was palpable and he punched the air as Cherki made sure of victory.
