Manchester City produced a statement display at the Etihad Stadium, brushing aside Liverpool 4-0 to secure their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for a record eighth consecutive season.
Pep Guardiola’s side showed clinical precision and attacking dominance, with Erling Haaland leading the charge in a one-sided contest that exposed Liverpool’s defensive fragility and lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
The match began with Liverpool showing early promise, creating chances through Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, but their failure to convert proved costly. City punished those missed opportunities in ruthless fashion.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 39th minute from the penalty spot after a foul by Virgil van Dijk inside the box. The Norwegian striker then doubled the advantage just before halftime, rising highest to head home from Antoine Semenyo’s delivery.
City returned from the break with even greater intensity. Semenyo added a third in the 50th minute with a composed chip after a precise through ball from Rayan Cherki, further deflating Liverpool’s resistance.
Haaland completed his hat-trick before the hour mark, finishing off a well-worked move to make it 4-0 and effectively end the contest. His performance underlined his growing dominance against top opposition, as he continues to deliver in decisive moments.
Liverpool’s misery was compounded when Salah missed a penalty, denied by an impressive save from City goalkeeper James Trafford, symbolising a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
Statistically, City’s superiority was evident, registering 2.5 expected goals (xG) compared to Liverpool’s 1.43, reflecting their sharper finishing and control in key moments.
The defeat leaves Liverpool with serious questions ahead of their upcoming Champions League fixture, while City continue their pursuit of domestic success with momentum firmly on their side.
