Erling Haaland hits hat-trick as Manchester City thrash Liverpool to reach FA Cup semis

Erling Haaland’s celebration for his first goal, a penalty, was quickly followed by his second before half-time. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters

When Erling Haaland swept the ball home for a first Manchester City hat-trick since August 2024 it sent swathes of Liverpool fans for the exits. Only 57 minutes were gone yet City were cruising at 4-0 and Arne Slot’s men were being schooled.

Haaland’s third, in which Jérémy Doku and Nico O’Reilly walked the ball through Liverpool before the No 9 hooked in off the bar, epitomised the pathetic response to the striker’s 39th-minute penalty opener.