Erling Haaland scored a clinical hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
- +Haaland hat-trick fires Man City past Liverpool into FA Cup semi-finals
Haaland struck twice late in the first half of the quarter-final before completing his treble after the break, with Antoine Semenyo also on target in a dominant Man City display.
Haaland struck twice late in the first half of the quarter-final before completing his treble after the break, with Antoine Semenyo also on target in a dominant Man City display.
Liverpool’s misery deepened when Mohamed Salah had a penalty saved by goalkeeper James Trafford, summing up a dismal outing for Arne Slot’s side.
The heavy defeat leaves Slot under mounting pressure, with City fans chanting, “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” during the one-sided encounter.
Liverpool now turn their attention to a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, where Slot will be desperate for a response.
“We have had setbacks and disappointments, but that is part of football and life. You have to stand strong when things are not positive,” Slot said.
The Reds have managed just two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions and currently sit fifth in the Premier League, putting their Champions League qualification hopes in doubt.
“It’s very disappointing, both the manner and the score. Another big setback for us,” Slot added. “The only good thing was that we didn’t concede more.”
For City, the result continues an impressive run. Pep Guardiola’s side have now reached the FA Cup semi-finals for an eighth consecutive season and extended their home winning streak in the competition to a record 18 matches.
Having already beaten Liverpool twice in the league this season, City have now secured three consecutive victories over the Reds for the first time since 1937.
