Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick as Manchester City, accustomed to Wembley, secured their eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final berth by thrashing Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, marking three successive victories over the Reds for the first time since 1947.
Having lifted the Carabao Cup a fortnight ago, City appeared primed for another cup contest; however, it was Liverpool who started the quarter-final with greater intent.
The Reds crafted the initial significant opportunity through familiar means as Giorgi Mamardashvili launched an 80-yard goal kick that released Mohamed Salah. A desperate challenge from Abdukodir Khusanov, however, thwarted the Egyptian’s chance to shoot cleanly at goal.
Hugo Ekitike found himself with a similar opportunity when a mistake from Rodri presented the ball to him at the edge of the box, but he unfortunately sent his effort soaring over the bar.
Despite the missed opportunities in the first half, it was Manchester City who struck first. They were gifted a penalty by Liverpool, with Virgil van Dijk’s clumsy challenge causing Nico O’Reilly to tumble.
Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Haaland confidently converted, sending Mamardashvili the wrong way from 12 yards out.
Haaland quickly added a second, expertly heading in Antoine Semenyo’s precise cross to send City into the interval with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Frustrated, Arne Slot had his Liverpool squad on the pitch well ahead of City for the second half, and the situation only worsened for them as the hosts scored a third goal within five minutes of the restart.
Semenyo, now the goalscorer, burst clear after a well-timed pass from Rayan Cherki, lifting the ball over the advancing Mamardashvili as City forged ahead with three goals in just 14 minutes and 9 seconds.
Before the hour mark, the situation improved even more for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Haaland netting his 28th career hat-trick by finishing off O’Reilly’s cutback.
As if Liverpool’s woes couldn’t deepen, Salah saw his penalty attempt brilliantly saved by James Trafford following Ekitike’s foul by Matheus Nunes in the area. With that, the contest was effectively over, and the remaining 20 minutes felt like a formality.
City can now set their sights on a return to Wembley, just one step away from a fourth consecutive FA Cup final. Meanwhile, Liverpool must quickly regroup as they prepare for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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