Erling Haaland delivered a stunning hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday to book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals and pile pressure on Reds manager Arne Slot.
The quarter-final clash at the Etihad Stadium saw Haaland score twice late in the first half before completing his treble after the break, while Antoine Semenyo also got on the scoresheet in a dominant display from Pep Guardiola’s side.
With Liverpool already four goals down, Mohamed Salah had a penalty saved by goalkeeper James Trafford, summing up a disappointing outing for the visitors.
Liverpool’s poor performance intensified scrutiny on Slot, who was jeered by home supporters chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning.” The Reds now face a crucial trip to Paris Saint-Germain for their Champions League quarter-final first leg, where a positive result could ease mounting pressure.
The defeat continues a worrying run of form for Liverpool, who have managed just two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions. Currently sitting fifth in the league, their hopes of securing Champions League qualification remain uncertain.
The downturn marks a sharp contrast to just a year ago, when Slot was close to guiding Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s commanding victory sends them into the FA Cup semi-finals for the eighth consecutive season. The win also marks their third straight victory over Liverpool this campaign — a feat they have not achieved since 1937.
City’s dominance at home in the FA Cup continues, with this result extending their winning streak to 18 consecutive matches in the competition, setting a new record.
Despite trailing Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League and having been eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid, Guardiola’s men are regaining momentum. They recently secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup final, boosting hopes of ending the season on a high.
Haaland’s performance was particularly notable, marking his 28th career hat-trick. After a brief dip in form, the striker rediscovered his scoring touch with clinical finishing that dismantled Liverpool’s defence.
Liverpool had started brightly, with chances falling to Hugo Ekitike and Salah early on, but their inability to convert opportunities proved costly. City capitalised ruthlessly, with Haaland opening the scoring from the penalty spot before adding a superb header just before halftime.
Semenyo extended the lead early in the second half, and Haaland completed his hat-trick shortly after with a powerful finish off the crossbar.
Salah’s struggles continued, with his missed penalty in the second half highlighting his recent dip in form as he approaches the end of his Liverpool tenure.
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Chelsea host Port Vale, while Arsenal face Southampton. West Ham United are set to take on Leeds United in the final quarter-final clash.
What you should know
Erling Haaland’s hat-trick led Manchester City to a dominant 4-0 win over Liverpool, securing a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The defeat piles pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whose side is struggling for form and consistency.
City, meanwhile, are gaining momentum despite earlier setbacks, keeping their hopes alive for silverware this season.
