He never performs in big games — Mikel Obi berates Haaland for leaving penalty to Marmoush in FA Cup defeat

Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi slammed Erling Haaland for another underwhelming performance in a big match for Manchester City—the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace—criticising his decision to shy away from his penalty responsibility, delegating to Omar Marmoush.

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In a stunning upset, Crystal Palace snatched the lead despite Manchester City's early dominance. A pinpoint cross from Daniel Munoz found Eberechi Eze, who volleyed home with precision.

Manchester City’s big moment arrived when Tyrick Mitchell's reckless tackle on Bernardo Silva gifted City a penalty. Omar Marmoush was given the spot-kick opportunity, courtesy of Erling Haaland's decision to let him take it. However, Dean Henderson's breathtaking one-handed save thwarted Marmoush's effort.

Despite City's unrelenting assault, Henderson's heroics proved crucial as Palace clinched a historic FA Cup triumph, marking their maiden title win.

Speaking on Bein Sports' broadcast of the game, Mikel Obi reiterated his stance on Haaland’s failure to shine in big games, citing his decision to hand Marmoush the opportunity to take the penalty.

 “As the main man of the team and as the striker of the team, the top striker of the team, the reason why you're in the team is to score goals,” Mikel said, from Bein Sport.

“They brought you, they pay you, you've signed a 9-year contract. You are the guy for this big occasion. You should have stepped up and taken that penalty. He's the penalty taker for Manchester City. Why is he giving this one up? That's what I want to know. Why did he give this up? What?”

Informed that Haaland probably passed on the chance because he has missed three of his last seven penalty attempts and has yet to score at Wembley, Mikel said, “3 out of his last 7, he's had an ankle injury recently. The top players still go on. They go on.”

“The only criticism about Erling Haaland, we know he's one of the best finishers in the world. There is no question about that. The question is, in the big occasions, has he risen up? Has he, has he shown that in the big occasion, he will deliver for this Manchester City? He hasn't shown that yet.”

Meanwhile, Rooney was also critical of Erling Haaland’s decision to pass on the penalty-taking decision to Omar Marmoush in Manchester City’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.