Manchester City rout Liverpool to reach FA Cup semi-finals

LONDON: Erling Haaland scored three times as Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday to book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals, while adding to the pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Haaland struck twice toward the end of the first half in the quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium and completed his hat-trick after Antoine Semenyo had also found the net. Liverpool’s difficult outing worsened further when Mohamed Salah saw a penalty saved by City goalkeeper James Trafford.

Liverpool are due to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, with Slot under pressure to deliver a result against the title holders. "We have had a lot of setbacks and disappointments but that is also part of being a football player and being a human being. You have to stand there when things are not so positive, Slot said.

Liverpool have managed only two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions. They are fifth in the Premier League and their place in next season’s Champions League is not assured. This marks a sharp downturn for Slot, who 12 months ago had been close to guiding Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title. " It's very disappointing to be out, not only in the manner but also the score. Another big disappointment for us, Slot said, adding that "The only good thing was that we didn't concede more."

For City, the result secured an eighth straight FA Cup semi-final appearance. After already defeating Liverpool twice in the Premier League this season, City have now recorded three consecutive wins over the Reds for the first time since 1937. They have also won 18 FA Cup home matches in a row, a new competition record.

City had gone into the match trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by nine points and after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid. Before the international break, however, they responded by beating Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final. They are now chasing their first FA Cup title since 2023 while still holding an outside chance in the league race.

City take control before and after the break

Nico O'Reilly, who had scored twice in the League Cup final, played an important role in City’s opener in the 39th minute. Matheus Nunes found O'Reilly inside the Liverpool penalty area and, as he turned away from Virgil van Dijk, the defender brought him down to concede a penalty. Haaland converted.

City doubled their lead just before half-time. Rayan Cherki released Semenyo, who delivered a precise cross for Haaland to run across Ibrahima Konate and guide a header beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool’s problems continued five minutes into the second half when Semenyo added the third goal. Cherki’s pass sent him through behind Van Dijk, and he lifted his finish over Mamardashvili.

Haaland completed the 28th hat-trick of his career in the 57th minute, finishing from 12 yards after O'Reilly set him up, with the shot going in off the underside of the bar.

Salah, who is on a prolonged farewell tour after announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, failed to convert from the spot after Nunes fouled Ekitike.

Chelsea cruise, Arsenal and West Ham to play

Elsewhere, Chelsea defeated Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge in a result that offered relief to manager Liam Rosenior. Chelsea had come into the game after four straight defeats and amid controversy over Rosenior’s decision to suspend Enzo Fernandez for two matches after the midfielder suggested he could leave in the summer.

Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro gave Chelsea control in the first half. An own goal by Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel was followed by second-half strikes from Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho.

Later on Saturday, Premier League leaders Arsenal were set to visit Championship side Southampton, while West Ham will face Leeds at the London Stadium in the remaining quarter-final on Sunday.