Trophyless for the first time in eight years, Pep Guardiola sniping at opponents in the aftermath of defeat, Erling Haaland stepping away from a penalty. Take your pick, the cues are all there. Does the system failure that led to Manchester City’s worst Premier League campaign since Guardiola’s first season in charge,

Pep Guardiola explained why Erling Haaland passed the opportunity to take the penalty against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final that Omar Marmoush missed.

Many believe that his inconsistency in the ongoing campaign was why the FA Cup final penalty was taken by Marmoush, who had never attempted a spot-kick for Man City before. Speaking after their loss, Guardiola explained that he was not involved in the decision. The Catalan coach mentioned that he likes players 'who take initiative and decide.'