Pep Guardiola expressed his delight after Omar Marmoush ended his goal drought to inspire Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Swansea City in the EFL Cup. The Egyptian forward, making his first start since August, struck a decisive goal that sent City into the quarter-finals, where they will face Brentford.
Goncalo Franco’s superb early finish had given Swansea a surprise lead, but Jeremy Doku levelled with a deflected effort before Marmoush restored order with a sharp close-range strike in the 77th minute. Rayan Cherki, impressive on his return from injury, sealed the win in stoppage time.
Guardiola, who made ten changes from the side beaten by Aston Villa at the weekend, praised Marmoush for his resilience and movement. “With him, with that system, five in the back, with centre defenders around, he knows how to be patient, how to find space, and how to make the runs in behind,” Guardiola said. “A striker needs goals for confidence, and I am really happy for him. He has been injured a long time and playing in Erling’s position is not easy.”
Marmoush led the line with purpose, registering five shots, the joint-highest alongside Doku and Cherki. City dominated every measure of the contest, recording 24 shots to Swansea’s two, and enjoying 78 final-third entries compared to the hosts’ 36.
Guardiola also praised Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Cherki for their creativity, describing Gonzalez as “fundamental” to City’s evolving system. The performance, he suggested, was a step in the right direction after recent league frustration.
For City, it was a reminder of their depth and control. For Marmoush, it was a much-needed return to form that might just earn him more than a supporting role in Guardiola’s plans.
