Horror for Man City keeper Zack Steffen as he gifts Liverpool’s Mane goal in FA Cup semi as Guardiola gamble backfires
MANCHESTER CITY keeper Zack Steffen was left utterly embarrassed after a SHOCKING error gifted Liverpool a second goal in The Reds' 3-2 FA Cup semi-final victory.
With Pep Guardiola's side already 1-0 down following an early Ibrahima Konate header, a shocking moment from second choice keeper Steffen plunged Man City into a perilous situation after just 17 minutes.
The 27-year-old, who was given his opportunity at Wembley ahead of regular No1 Ederson, had plenty of time to pick out a pass from inside his own six-yard box.
But he dallied on the ball and Mane sensed a chance as he ferociously closed down the American.
And remarkably he got his rewards as Steffen decided to take one touch too many before Mane slid in and turned the ball into the net with a sliding challenge.
It was a horror moment for the USA keeper - who rarely gets an opportunity to play for the English champions.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
And he was picking the ball out of the net again before half-time as Mane fired a volley beyond Steffen to make it 3-0.
Second half goals from Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva did give Man City some hope, but Liverpool held on to book their place in the final.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry was quick to criticise the decision to pick Steffen ahead of Ederson.
On social media, he said: "That is why you don’t rest or rotate your best players.
Most read in Football
"Play your best and strongest team!"
The keeper was consoled by Ederson, Ruben Dias and Kevin de Bruyne after the final whistle as he looked utterly dejected following Liverpool's thrilling win.
Due to the supreme consistency of Ederson, Steffen has featured just eight times in all competitions so far this season.
And only one of those has come in the Premier League, with five starts in domestic cup games.