Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored five goals as the FA Cup holders thrashed Luton 6-2 in the fifth round at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Haaland completed his hattrick with the help of three assists from Kevin De Bruyne, inside the first 40 minutes.
It was Haaland’s 8th hattrick in Manchester City colors. Kevin de Bruyne assisted four of Haaland’s five goals against Luton, demonstrating once more why this dynamic pair is among the most dangerous in world football. De Bruyne has provided assists for Haaland to score 16 of his 79 goals for City.
Luton managed to pull one back. Jordan Clark with a sensational effort at the stroke of half time. Clark again struck just after the interval to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
However, Manchester City soon dashed any hopes of a memorable comeback when Erling Haaland managed to score his fourth, assisted again by De Bruyne who had found space to work his magic thanks to a brilliant pass from Kyle walker.
But Haaland wasn’t done yet. He registered his name on the score sheet for the fifth time in the night, barely three minutes later, scoring a low shot from Bernardo Silva’s pass beyond Tim Krul.
Mateo Kovacic rounded the night by adding the sixth for the visitors with a long-range drive as City easily advanced to the final eight.
Manchester City could have added to their goals tally, but once Haaland was substituted with 15 minutes remaining, the ruthlessness was not the same and the hosts were spared additional suffering.
Acknowledging De Bruyne’s part in the devastation, Haaland said: “Kevin is massive. It’s a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other.”
Haaland also reflected on his poor form since returning from a foot injury, he added: “I’m getting back to my best. Finally I’m feeling good It’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming, we’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack”.
Pep Guardiola must have been hoping for a show like this one. The dominant display will give them plenty of confidence before a crucial stretch of games in March. Having won 14 of their last 15 games across all competitions. City will hope to repeat their Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup triple crown from the previous campaign.
