The Norwegian striker's first treble in months fires City into FA Cup semis while piling pressure on Arne Slot.
Erling Haaland reminded everyone why he's considered one of the world's deadliest strikers, unleashing his first hat-trick since August in Manchester City's emphatic 4-0 demolition of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian's clinical finishing display fired Pep Guardiola's men into the FA Cup semifinals and left Arne Slot's Liverpool reeling from another heavy defeat.
The 24-year-old striker was back to his devastating best, exploiting Liverpool's defensive frailties with ruthless precision. His treble showcased the complete repertoire – a poacher's finish, a thunderous strike, and a delicate chip that left Alisson Becker with no chance. City's dominance was so complete that the Reds barely registered a meaningful shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
This latest setback compounds Liverpool's growing struggles under Slot, who has now overseen consecutive heavy defeats that have fans questioning the Dutchman's tactical approach. The loss not only ended their FA Cup dreams but also highlighted the massive gulf in quality between the two sides on the day.
For City, Haaland's return to form couldn't have come at a better time as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. The victory sends a clear message to their rivals – when the Norwegian is firing, City become an unstoppable force capable of dismantling any opposition with surgical precision.
