MANCHESTER, England — Erling Haaland delivered a devastating 18-minute hat trick to lead Manchester City to a commanding 4-0 victory over rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, securing the defending champions' place in the semifinals for a record eighth consecutive season.
The match at Etihad Stadium turned into a one-sided affair after Haaland broke the deadlock, with his clinical finishing exposing Liverpool's defensive frailties and adding to the mounting pressure on manager Arne Slot. According to reports from the game, Haaland's performance marked his first hat trick of the season and his 12th since joining City in 2022, underscoring his pivotal role in Pep Guardiola's squad.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting a penalty with composure after a foul in the box. Just before halftime, in first-half stoppage time, he rose highest to head home a precise cross from teammate Antoine Semenyo, doubling City's lead and silencing the traveling Liverpool supporters. The Norwegian forward completed his treble in the 57th minute, sweeping in a rebound off the crossbar following a fierce shot from a teammate, leaving Liverpool's defense in disarray.
Semenyo, who had earlier provided the assist for Haaland's second goal, got on the scoresheet himself in the 50th minute, rifling a shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker to make it 3-0 early in the second half. The goal came shortly after the restart, capitalizing on City's momentum from their recent English League Cup triumph two weeks prior, where they defeated Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium.
For Liverpool, the afternoon was a nightmare capped by Mohamed Salah's missed penalty in the 64th minute. The Egyptian forward, who announced during the recent international break that he would depart Anfield after nine trophy-laden seasons, stepped up to try and spark a comeback but saw his effort palmed away by City goalkeeper James Trafford. Salah, beginning what he has described as his long goodbye to the club, spurned several other chances throughout the match, unable to mark the occasion with a goal.
The result not only eliminated Liverpool from the competition but also intensified scrutiny on Slot, who has faced challenges since taking over as manager. Liverpool's meltdown at the Etihad, where they rarely threatened after the early stages, highlighted ongoing issues in their campaign, coming amid a season of transitions including Salah's impending exit.
Manchester City's dominance extended beyond the scoreline, as the win marked their 18th consecutive home victory in the FA Cup, a streak dating back to 2017. Under Guardiola, the team now holds the outright record for reaching seven straight FA Cup finals, surpassing the previous shared mark with historic side Clapham Rovers. This semifinal berth means City will return to Wembley later this month, building on their recent League Cup success and keeping their domestic treble hopes alive.
The FA Cup quarterfinals have been a showcase of upsets and established powers this season, with City's progression alongside other big names. Later on Saturday, Chelsea hosted third-tier Port Vale at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal traveled to face second-tier Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium. These matches added to the drama of the weekend, as lower-league sides sought to continue their giant-killing runs against Premier League heavyweights.
The final quarterfinal fixture pits West Ham United against Leeds United on Sunday, after which the draw for the semifinals will take place. With City already through, the outcomes of the remaining games will determine their opponents in what promises to be another high-stakes stage of the competition.
Haaland's exploits come at a crucial juncture for Manchester City, who have been navigating a demanding schedule across multiple fronts. The 23-year-old striker has been a transformative figure since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, consistently delivering goals in big matches. His hat trick against Liverpool echoes previous masterclasses, such as those in Champions League ties, and reinforces City's status as favorites in any domestic cup run.
Liverpool's struggles in the cup tie reflect broader challenges this term. Slot, appointed in the summer following Jurgen Klopp's departure, has aimed to implement a new tactical identity, but results have been mixed. The loss to City, a perennial rival, stings particularly given the historical intensity of the fixture, which has produced some of the Premier League's most memorable encounters over the years.
Salah's penalty miss was a poignant moment, symbolizing Liverpool's frustrations. The 32-year-old, who joined from Roma in 2017, has been the club's talisman, scoring over 200 goals and winning major honors including the Premier League and Champions League. His announcement to leave has sparked speculation about his next destination, with Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly interested, though no deal has been confirmed.
Guardiola's post-match reactions, while not detailed in immediate reports, are expected to praise his team's execution. City have now won 15 of their last 16 FA Cup home games, a testament to the infrastructure and talent at the club. The Etihad Stadium, with its capacity crowd of around 53,000, erupted as Haaland's third goal went in, turning the afternoon into a celebration of City's cup pedigree.
Looking ahead, the semifinals represent another opportunity for City to chase history. Having won the competition seven times in the last decade under Guardiola, an eighth would further cement their legacy. For Liverpool, the focus shifts back to league matters, where they sit mid-table and need points to secure European qualification.
The FA Cup's charm lies in its unpredictability, yet City's procession highlights their supremacy in English football. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on how the semifinal draw shakes out, potentially setting up more blockbuster clashes. With Wembley calling once more, Manchester City's record-breaking run shows no signs of slowing down.