Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was replaced at half time during the 3-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland reacts during Manchester City's victory over Fulham in the Premier League
Erling Haaland reacts during Manchester City's victory over Fulham in the Premier League(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Remember when people were talking about Erling Haaland losing his goalscoring touch? The Norwegian showed great composure to convert the winner for Manchester City at Liverpool from the penalty spot in added time.
He followed that up with an impressive finish on the stroke of half-time to take the game away from Fulham and secure a huge three points in the title race. But his night was cut short when he was replaced at the break by Omar Marmoush.
When asked about the substitution, Pep Guardiola said: "Niggles. Some problems, he didn't feel comfortable, it was 3-0. He said: 'I don't feel comfortable'. With 3-0 and with a lot of games and with having Omar, common sense [to substitute him]."
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Next up for City is a clash with League Two Salford City in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium. While the Blues will undoubtedly respect Karl Robinson's team, there will be no desire to play Haaland if he is feeling any form of discomfort. City may have looked to start Divine Mukasa in this game but he joined Leicester on loan in the January transfer window.
MEN Sport has taken a look at three options Guardiola could look at to replace Haaland this Saturday, including drafting in a centre-forward from the academy.
Safe option
If Guardiola was looking for an obvious option, he would choose to bring Marmoush into the starting line-up to replace Haaland. While his performance at Anfield did not catch the eye, the Egypt international has done well since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He is the alternative option to Haaland that City were crying out for while the striker was being run into the ground over Christmas. Marmoush would eye a game against Salford as the perfect chance to bump up his figures for the season.
Omar Marmoush warming up before Manchester City's clash with Liverpool last weekend
Omar Marmoush warming up before Manchester City's clash with Liverpool last weekend
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Semenyo experiment
Guardiola knew he was getting a quality player when Antoine Semenyo arrived from Bournemouth but even he would not have expected how easily the 26-year-old has settled in the north west. He has started most games on either the right or left flank but we know he can play as a centre-forward.
At times, Guardiola has reverted to two up top with Semenyo joining Haaland. But against Salford the Blues could experiment with the Ghana international playing as the centre-forward.
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Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring Man City's opener vs Fulham in midweek
Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring Man City's opener vs Fulham in midweek
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New academy promotion
With Mukasa at Leicester, there is an opportunity for a new face to be promoted to the first team for the visit of Salford this weekend. Matty Warhurst joined the City academy from Oldham in 2019 and has progressed well in the academy set-up since.
He scored 21 goals in 20 U18 Premier League appearances in 2023/24, 15 in 21 last season and since his move up the age brackets this campaign he has scored seven goals in ten Premier League 2 games. The 19-year-old scored a brace in the 3-0 victory over Leeds at the weekend but has yet to make a senior appearance for City.
Should Haaland be rested, Guardiola could be tempted to give the teenager his first taste of senior football.
Matty Warhurst in action for Manchester City in the EFL Trophy earlier this season
Matty Warhurst in action for Manchester City in the EFL Trophy earlier this season
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