MANCHESTER, England – Manchester City have booked a record-extending eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance following a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Erling Haaland returned to spectacular form, netting a brilliant hat-trick to keep City’s hopes of a domestic cup double alive following their recent Carabao Cup triumph.
Okay News gathered that City manager Pep Guardiola, serving the second game of a touchline ban, watched from the stands as his side systematically dismantled Arne Slot’s struggling team. After a relatively quiet first half-hour, Haaland broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with a penalty after Virgil van Dijk clumsily fouled Nico O’Reilly. The Norwegian striker then doubled the lead just before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far corner from an Antoine Semenyo cross.
Semenyo turned from provider to goalscorer early in the second half, clipping in a delightful finish in the 50th minute to make it 3-0. Haaland then completed his treble seven minutes later, taking his season tally to an astonishing 46 goals and sealing City’s serene progression to Wembley. The dominant performance also marks City’s third victory over Liverpool across all competitions this season.
For Liverpool, it was a thoroughly wretched afternoon that will only intensify the pressure on manager Arne Slot. Mohamed Salah, making his first appearance since announcing his impending summer departure, endured a highly frustrating game. The Egyptian forward hesitated on a clear one-on-one opportunity and later saw his penalty brilliantly saved by City goalkeeper James Trafford.
With their domestic cup dreams dashed, the Reds now face a daunting Champions League quarter-final clash against holders Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, their last remaining avenue for silverware this season.
