Man City given Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush verdicts after Chelsea 'concern'
New Man City men Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush have made their debuts in a comeback win against Chelsea on Saturday night, with Pep Guardiola choosing to blood his new signings in a big match that pulled them back into the top-four. City fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section were watching them closely to see what they can offer to Pep's depleted team.
20-year-old defender Khusanov endured a torrid start the game and was at fault for Noni Madueke's opening goal, but recovered some confidence as the game continued with an important block. Guardiola was quick to point out how his teammates supported him: "The players were together. That was massively important. Any player can make a mistake. The fans always support the new players. He's so young. He will learn."
Marmoush, who was the German Bundesliga's second top scorer at the time of his transfer, had a lively debut and made some threatening moves, though the offside flag meant nothing came of them. Erling Haaland was full of praise for his new attacking partner: "He got straight in the team and it’s about getting to know him as quickly as possible because we have so many important games coming. It’s about giving him confidence. He’s going to be a fantastic player for us."
City fans have leapt to defend their new signings against criticism. Reader Blue.bee.leaf says: “Anyone thinking we are not ever going to have scares is not paying attention, but this was one of the most controlled displays of the season. Sure, Khusanov made a costly error, which wasn't his only error, but he's 20-years-old. Omar was electric, and if we weren't so drilled for more patient build-up his movement could have brought more rewards.”
Commenter GaultAlan writes: “Khusanov