Manchester City delivered a statement performance to dismantle Liverpool 4-0 and book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, with Erling Haaland stealing the headlines with a clinical hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo impressing with a goal and assist.
Pep Guardiola’s side took control early at the Etihad Stadium, asserting their dominance in possession and pressing Liverpool into repeated errors.
The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half when Haaland converted from the spot to give the hosts the lead.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, struggled to cope with City’s intensity and fluid attacking movement.
Their defensive line was repeatedly exposed, and it was not long before Haaland continured to dominate proceedings.
The Norwegian striker doubled City’s advantage shortly before half-time, rising above the Liverpool defence to head home from a pinpoint cross.
It marked the beginning of a ruthless spell in front of goal that ultimately decided the tie.
City returned from the break with the same attacking intent, and Semenyo struck within minutes. Played through by Cherki, he showed composure to slot past the goalkeeper, effectively ending any hopes of a Liverpool comeback.
Haaland then went on to seal his hattrick in emphatic fashion.
Despite attempts to respond, Liverpool lacked cohesion in midfield and were unable to create clear-cut chances. City’s defensive organisation ensured that goalkeeper Trafford remained largely untroubled throughout the contest.
Salah missed an opportunity to get Liverpool back in the game with the score 4-0 against the Reds.
The goal brought his tally to another remarkable milestone this season and underlined his importance to Guardiola’s system.
For Semenyo, the performance represented a standout contribution on a big stage. His energy, creativity and direct involvement in two goals highlighted his growing influence within the squad and provided an additional attacking dimension alongside Haaland.
The result sees Manchester City advance comfortably into the final four of the FA Cup, reinforcing their credentials as strong contenders for the trophy. Guardiola will be encouraged not only by the scoreline but by the cohesion and sharpness displayed across his team.
For Liverpool, however, the defeat raises further questions about consistency and defensive resilience.
Slot acknowledged after the match that his side were second best, pointing to the need for improvement as the season enters its final phase.
City now turn their attention to the semi-finals with momentum firmly on their side, while Liverpool must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign elsewhere.
