Manchester City's Haaland hits hat-trick as Liverpool's season unravels in FA Cup
Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, powered by a hat-trick from striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian forward took his season tally to an astonishing 46 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions for club and country, effectively ending Liverpool's last remaining hope for domestic silverware this season.
Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Virgil van Dijk fouled Callum O'Riley in the area. He doubled the lead just before halftime, expertly directing a Semenyo cross into the far corner with a powerful header. The contest was put beyond doubt early in the second half when Semenyo added a third, but Haaland completed his treble shortly after, tapping in from an O'Riley pass to make it 4-0. Liverpool's miserable day was compounded when James Trafford saved a penalty from Mohamed Salah.
The comprehensive defeat marks Liverpool's 15th loss of a turbulent campaign, leaving only the Champions League as a potential trophy. Manager Jürgen Klopp, serving a touchline ban, watched from the stands as his team was thoroughly outplayed. For Pep Guardiola's City, the performance was a statement of intent as they continue to compete on multiple fronts, with the Premier League title race and Champions League quarter-finals also ongoing.
Haaland's form is a timely boost for City, silencing any brief chatter about a mid-season dip. His physical dominance and clinical finishing were on full display, particularly against a Liverpool defense that has struggled for consistency. The 23-year-old's latest goalscoring feat reinforces his status as the most feared striker in world football and the central pillar of City's ambitions.
In other quarter-final action, Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 defeat away to Championship side Southampton, ending their FA Cup hopes. Chelsea had no such trouble, thrashing third-tier Port Vale 7-0 to book their place in the last four. The semi-final draw will be made imminently, with City and Chelsea joining Southampton and the winner of the remaining tie.
For Liverpool, the focus now shifts entirely to Europe, where they face a daunting task to salvage their season. The scale of this defeat will raise further questions about the squad's resilience and depth ahead of a significant summer transition. Manchester City, meanwhile, march on with Haaland in devastating form, looking every bit the favourites to retain the FA Cup they won last year.
