Fans have taken to Twitter to blast Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper Zack Steffen following his howler in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
The 27-year-old dwelled on the ball in his own six-yard area, allowing Liverpool forward Sadio Mane to capitalise.
Senegalese star Mane managed to slide in and poke the ball over the line to net his sides second goal of the match on 17 minutes, as Liverpool went into half-time with a 3-0 lead.
Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen produced a howler against Liverpool on Saturday
The 27-year-old gifted striker Sadio made who put Liverpool 2-0 up in the FA Cup semi-final
Jack Grealish netted for Manchester City at the start of the second half to make it 3-1, and Bernardo Silva added a second on 90 minutes, but the Reds managed to hang on to secure victory at Wembley and progress to the FA Cup final.
Displeased Manchester City supporters took to social media straight after following Steffen’s incident and hit out at their USA international, whose confidence has undoubtedly been shattered following his howler.
Many fans blamed boss Pep Guardiola for starting the goalkeeper in what was a high-profile game.
Others took direct aim at the USA international, and said he is not good enough to be Manchester City’s backup goalkeeper.
Steffen’s confidence was shattered following his mistake he looked very nervous on the ball
Jack Grealish consoled Steffen at full-time after Liverpool won the semi-final 3-2 at Wembley
Steffen also paid the price in last seasons FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Chelsea, after racing off his line, which allowed Timo Werner to pick out Hakim Ziyech to score.
Guardiola had his say on Steffen’s error at full-time, insisting the goalkeeper must remain positive.
‘It was an accident. One of the strong points is try to play [out] and as a keeper he has this quality. It was an accident and he will learn for the future.. When the ball is there it can always happen. It was an accident and he will learn for the future.
‘I have spoken with the team not him personally but he is strong.’
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists Steffen must stay positive following his howler
Liverpool’s win over Manchester City was praised by former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy.
‘It shows Liverpool prepared well. The big hitters having a rest midweek helped. You have to credit the players for starting with that intensity. If they stay concentrated and focused, it should be done (as a contest)’, Murphy told BBC Sport.
‘Sadio Mane’s faced criticism playing down the centre recently. But he can stretch defenders and make the difference, he was quality.
‘It looks so effortless from Luiz Diaz. He’s free from fear, quick, willing to work. To walk into a club like Liverpool mid-season, he’s not been intimidated.’