Pep has no time for hangover
Wigan – Manchester City’s quest for a historic quadruple is over after a shock FA Cup defeat to Wigan but there is little time to lick their wounds with the League Cup final against Arsenal looming.
Pep Guardiola’s City face Arsene Wenger’s Gunners in Sunday’s Wembley showpiece, trying to win the first trophy of the Guardiola era, with Premier League glory looking certain barring a unforeseen disaster.
Guardiola’s team are also on course for the Champions League quarterfinals after thrashing Basel 4-0 away in the first leg of their last-16 tie last week.
But, even with the league title apparently in the bag, backto-back cup defeats would put a dampener on what has been an impressive season of dazzling football.
Ten-man City went down 1-0 to League One Wigan in an ill-tempered FA Cup fifth round tie on Monday, courtesy of a late Will Grigg goal – a repeat of the scoreline in the 2013 FA Cup final.
To make matters worse, Sergio Aguero (right) became embroiled in an ugly post-match altercation with fans while visiting supporters were seen tearing up advertising hoardings and throwing them on to the pitch.
A number of fans also headed towards the end where City supporters were sitting to continue celebrations, sparking further disorder
“We’ve got to look at those (other three competitions) and look forward, but we’re disappointed,” said City defender John Stones.
“We wanted to be in all four competitions right until the end. That’s been cut short now.”
Guardiola left Ederson, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling out of his starting line-up but otherwise named a strong side containing Aguero, David Silva and centre-backs Stones and Aymeric Laporte.
Following a series of complaints over dangerous challenges on his players not being punished harshly enough, Guardiola saw his own player, Fabian Delph, shown a straight red card just before half-time.
The Catalan then exchanged heated words with Wigan manager Paul Cook as they went down the tunnel at half-time.
“Is a red card, yeah,” admitted Guardiola.
Wigan announced a full investigation yesterday into crowd disturbances. – AFP