Marc Guehi continues whirlwind FA Cup journey against club where it all began

Marc Guehi’s past year in the FA Cup has included captaining Crystal Palace to Wembley glory, experiencing the competition’s biggest shock through the holders’ third-round elimination at sixth-tier Macclesfield, and now targeting another trophy. Palace’s triumph was their first trophy, while City, which Guehi joined nine days after the Macclesfield defeat, beat him in the final, losing 1-0 to Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute goal. After Palace were eliminated 2-1 by Macclesfield, Guehi spoke to supporters who traveled to Cheshire, saying he felt he owed them for their voices. He later moved to City for £20m, faced light teasing from teammates, and then endured a difficult Premier League moment involving a backpass that led to Everton’s comeback and a 3-3 draw for City.

"Marc Guehi's whirlwind 12 months in the FA Cup: captaining Crystal Palace to glory at Wembley last season, experiencing the competition's greatest shock via the holders' third-round elimination at sixth-tier Macclesfield and, on Saturday, aiming to claim the trophy again when Manchester City face Chelsea."

"On 10 January, Palace were dumped out 2-1 by Macclesfield. Afterwards, despite bitter disappointment, Guehi went to the supporters who had journeyed from south London to Cheshire for the tie. The 25-year-old says: I felt like I owed the fans for their voices to be heard because they're such a big part of football. In that moment, it was low for them, but that's just another part of life."

"He says: I feel like my football life is crazy. There's no consistency to it. It's very unpredictable. And it's fun, interesting. I'm glad to be given the opportunity to play in such a prestigious final again. And for this club, I know how much it means to them to win trophies."

"Fast forward to 4 May, and Guehi's mood was far darker at Hill Dickinson Stadium. With City beating Everton 1-0 after 68 minutes, Guehi's intended backpass for Gianluigi Donnarumma went to Thierno Barry, who equalised. This presaged a 15-minute collapse that featured Everton moving 3-1 ahead. By the end, City had salvaged a 3-3 draw, but it was firmly advantage Arsenal in the title race."

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