Erling Haaland (AP Photo)
Manchester City produced a dominant performance to thrash Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Erling Haaland stealing the show with a hat-trick. The heavy defeat increased the pressure on Liverpool coach Arne Slott, whose team looked out of form throughout the match.City took control of the game late in the first half when Haaland scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Nico O’Reilly. Just before half-time, he scored again with a well-timed header. Liverpool struggled to respond, and things got worse after the break when Antoine Semenyu added the third goal.Haaland then completed his hat-trick with a powerful finish, sealing an impressive win. Liverpool’s misery was summed up when Mohamed Salah missed a penalty kick, which was saved by City goalkeeper James Trafford.The defeat increases Liverpool’s poor performance, as it achieved only two wins in the last seven matches. Fans have expressed their frustration, and Slott now faces mounting criticism. Commenting on the difficult stage, he said: “We faced a lot of setbacks and disappointments, but this is also part of being a footballer and being a human being. You have to stand there when things are not very positive.”He also admitted: “It’s very disappointing to go out, not only in the manner but also in the result. Another big disappointment for us,” adding: “The only good thing is that we didn’t concede more.”While City is strong in qualifying for the semi-finals, Liverpool must quickly regroup before a decisive Champions League encounter, with their season at risk of slipping further.
