Manchester City's Haaland reaches 50-goal mark with FA Cup hat-trick
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City defeated Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals. The Norwegian striker's treble took his season tally to an astonishing 46 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions for club and country. The comprehensive victory, sealed with a fourth goal from Antoine Semenyo, ended Liverpool's hopes in the competition and marked the Reds' 15th defeat of a challenging season.
Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Virgil van Dijk fouled Matt O'Riley in the area. He doubled City's lead just before halftime, expertly heading home a Semenyo cross. The contest was effectively ended early in the second half when Semenyo made it 3-0, before Haaland completed his hat-trick—and the scoring—by converting O'Riley's cutback in the 57th minute. Liverpool's miserable afternoon was compounded when James Trafford saved a late penalty from Mohamed Salah.
The performance underscored Haaland's relentless form and central importance to Pep Guardiola's side, who were managed from the stands by the suspended manager. For Liverpool, the defeat leaves the Champions League as their only remaining trophy target this campaign, a significant reduction in ambitions from earlier in the season. The result continues a dominant run for City in domestic cup competitions and reinforces their status as the team to beat.
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 semi-final spot. The draws for the last four will be made imminently, with City and Chelsea joining Southampton and the winner of the remaining tie.
Haaland's latest goal haul inevitably fuels the ongoing speculation surrounding his long-term future at the Etihad, with his contract running until 2027. While no transfer is imminent, his staggering productivity keeps him at the centre of the football world's attention, with every match a reminder of his unique value in the market. For now, his focus remains on firing Manchester City towards a potential second consecutive treble.
