Welcome to part two of our End of Season awards!
Last week’s article, where we discussed who our Player of the Season was, went very well! I expected Josko Gvardiol to win it by a landslide, but it was excellent to see Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly receive nominations too.
This week, we’re discussing City's goal of the season. Looking back, there have been a fair few contenders.
And fresh back from holiday, we’ve got Dillon’s opinion, as well as that from Saul, Manc Pete and myself:
Saul
I could be a contrarian and pick another goal, but there is now doubt in my mind it is the absolute screamer Omar Marmoush managed to get. That goal already won its fair share of awards and that makes it good enough for me. The trajectory of the ball, the distance, the power, it is just a fantastic goal. That is the clear winner in my mind.
Saul’s pick - Omar Marmoush vs Bournemouth (H)
Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Will
I agree with you, Saul, Marmoush’s long range howitzer against Bournemouth is my clear choice for goal of the season.
But I’d like to throw another name into the hat.
Erling Haaland’s acrobatic volley against Sparta Prague was completely meaningless, but it was a fantastic, fantastic goal. The ability to jump high in the air, then twist, make contact with the ball with the back of his heel and find the far corner was remarkable. It was a trademark Haaland goal, and it deserves its recognition.
Will’s choice - Omar Marmoush vs Bournemouth (H)
Manchester City v AC Sparta Praha - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 Photo by Copa/Getty Images
Dillon
Marmoush is the right answer from a purely technical perspective, that is one of the best goals I’ve seen in years.
But in terms of importance, it’s got to be Nunes’ goal vs Villa. Essentially saved City’s Champions League qualification, and Pep’s celebration proved its importance. As a long-time Jeremy Doku defender, this goal will play on repeat for quite a while.
Dillon’s choice, Matheus Nunes vsAston Villa (H)
Manchester City FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Pete
Marmoush deservedly won Premier League goal of the season for his strike against Bournemouth.
However, my goal of the season is going to Jess Park for her strike against Arsenal on the opening weekend.
From the edge of the ‘D,’ Jess took one touch and unleashed a stunning shot which cannoned off the crossbar and in. The Arsenal keeper could only stand and watch as Jess gave the Blues the lead.
Jess’s reaction said it all. She could hardly believe it hit the net and for me, that is my goal of the season.
Pete’s choice - Jess Park vs Arsenal (A)
Arsenal v Manchester City - Barclays Women’s Super League Photo by Richard Pelham - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Conclusion
Well we pretty much all admitted that Marmoush deserved goal of the season... but we still got two other answers and three different mentions!
Here are everyone’s answers so far:
Saul: Player of the Season - Erling Haaland
Goal of the Season - Omar Marmoush vs Bournemouth (H)
Will: Player of the Season - Josko Gvardiol
Goal of the Season - Omar Marmoush vs Bournemouth (H)
Dillon: Player of the Season - N/A
Goal of the Season - Matheus Nunes vs Aston Villa (H)
Pete: Player of the Season - Nico O’Reilly
Goal of the Season - Jess Park vs Arsenal (A)