Marmoush's Comeback Lights City's Cup Run: Precision Strikes and a Quarterfinal Challenge
30 October 2025
Match report
Omar Marmoush returned from injury to score his first goal of the season as Manchester City beat Swansea City 3-1 in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round. The win, built on a responsive second half and an improving defensive balance, keeps City on track for a deep Cup run.
The performance was highlighted by the lively display from French youngster Ryan Cherki, who earned the man of the match award, and by Nico Gonzalez, whose defensive discipline helped stabilise the side as the game progressed.
After the final whistle, Guardiola explained that Marmoush’s goal would be a big confidence boost for a forward who had spent time sidelined. He also stressed the importance of rhythm and belief in attackers returning from injury, noting the need for both Marmoush and Haaland to share responsibilities up front.
Guardiola emphasised that Haaland remains a key figure, but Marmoush’s return gives the team extra variation in attacking options. With players like Phil Foden delivering dangerous crosses, the coach believes the squad can rotate positions and keep the energy high across different fixtures.
Speaking about Marmoush’s impact, Guardiola said the forward can operate across multiple roles in attack, which should help the team manage workloads as the season heats up. The Egyptian forward’s inclusion adds another string to City’s offensive bow.
On the balance of play, City began the second half with renewed purpose. Swansea started strongly, but City gained control after the early exchanges, and the hosts’ pressing and patient build‑up paid dividends as the match wore on.
The second half also saw substantial contributions from City’s substitutes. Stones, Gvardiol, and Foden all came on and impressed, reinforcing the impression that City’s depth is a real asset in knockout football.
"Nico Gonzalez… the quiet engine”
Guardiola singled out Nico Gonzalez for his defensive intelligence and smart ball progression, explaining that the team relies on a combination of attacking talent and disciplined midfield work to control games and keep opposition threats at bay.
Rayan Cherki’s influence
Beyond Marmoush’s goal, Cherki’s performance was pivotal. He supplied the assist for Marmoush’s second, then added a late third himself, emphasising City’s evolving attacking chemistry and willingness to press from the front.
In his post‑match reflections, Guardiola praised the French forward’s quality and the way he optimises the team’s dynamic, hinting that Cherki’s growth will be a recurring theme as City balance domestic and European commitments.
The match concluded with City advancing to the quarterfinals, where Brentford await at the Etihad. City’s progress marks a continued bid to reclaim a trophy they have dominated in recent years, while the return of Marmoush and the continued rise of Cherki provide fresh optimism for the rest of the campaign.
The draw for the quarterfinal pitted Manchester City against Brentford at the Etihad, with City celebrating a first home cup tie of the season after two away fixtures. The competition schedule has City playing Crystal Palace in the league before hosting West Ham United in the next round, keeping the balance between cup and league duties tight.
Brentford reached this stage after overcoming Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Grimsby, and City remain on course for a ninth Cup triumph, a tally that would bring them closer to Liverpool’s record of 10 titles.
As the trophy hunt intensifies, City’s forward line looks increasingly versatile, and the squad’s depth promises plenty of options for Guardiola when the fixtures come thick and fast.
