3 Emotional Moments That Defined Erling Haaland’s Wembley Nightmare

On Saturday night, Erling Haaland endured one of the most baffling and emotionally charged nights of his career as Manchester City slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

The Norwegian striker, who has taken English football by storm since arriving, left Wembley Stadium once again without a goal — or a trophy.

Despite entering the match as heavy favourites, City fell short under the Wembley lights, and Haaland’s actions during the match only added to the drama and confusion.

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With City trailing and a golden chance to equalise from the spot, Haaland appeared set to take responsibility. Instead, he stunned everyone by handing the penalty duties to Omar Marmoush.

"I thought he would want to take it but they didn't speak," said City boss Pep Guardiola. as per BBC.

"That moment for the penalty, it's the feeling and how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it."

Haaland's decision backfired immediately. Marmoush saw his penalty saved by Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, swinging the momentum firmly in Palace’s favour.

The missed opportunity brought sharp criticism and comparisons. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney questioned Haaland’s mentality.

“Erling Haaland is a world-class forward, but when we are talking about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no way they are giving that ball away,” said Rooney.

“That is what separates them two players from Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe and these players. They are selfish and they want to score every game."

He added: “When he misses chances I think you can see it gets to him and it does affect him. Maybe the thought of taking a penalty at Wembley might have been too much for him. You never know, he is a human being.”

Despite scoring 30 goals this season, Haaland’s struggles in major finals — and particularly at Wembley — have become a growing concern. He has now gone eight finals without scoring for City and has yet to break his Wembley duck.

As the final whistle blew and Crystal Palace celebrated their historic victory, most City players quickly retreated down the tunnel.

But Haaland lingered on the pitch, his runners-up medal hanging heavy on his neck.

Former England striker Alan Shearer did not hold back: “There is no way anyone is saying to me 'you're not taking a penalty today if we get a penalty.’ You're fit, you're out on the pitch, and you should be game for taking the penalty."

Micah Richards added: “I know Erling Haaland's record at Wembley is not very good, but for him not to take the penalty... he is usually so confident and arrogant.”

The contrast could not have been starker. Palace’s players and fans revelled in their first major trophy, while Haaland looked on, emotionally detached from the jubilation.

Manchester City now face an uncertain close to the season. Once in contention for multiple titles, they must now fight to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League.

“This season has been a massive disappointment for Manchester City,” said Richards.

“For City, we are looking at a rebuild – it’s obvious for everyone to see.”

With Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive echoing around the stadium, Haaland and his teammates must stay resilient — both emotionally and competitively — to revive what remains of their campaign