Erling Haaland (AP Photo) Manchester City produced a dominant performance to thrash Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Erling Haaland stealing the show with a hat-trick. The heavy defeat increased the pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slota, whose team looked out of form throughout the game.City took control late in the first half when Haaland scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Nico O’Reilly. He struck again with a well-timed header just before half-time. Liverpool struggled to respond and things got worse after the break when Antoine Semenyo added a third goal.Haaland then completed his hat-trick with a powerful finish to seal a commanding victory. Liverpool’s woes were summed up when Mohamed Salah missed a penalty and City keeper James Trafford made the save.The defeat adds to Liverpool’s poor run with just two wins in their last seven games. Fans have voiced their frustration and Slot is now facing mounting criticism. Reflecting on the difficult phase, he said: “We’ve had a lot of setbacks and disappointments, but that’s also part of being a footballer and a person. You have to stand there when things aren’t so positive.”He also admitted: “It’s very disappointing to be out, not only in the manner but also in the score. Another big disappointment for us,” adding: “The only good thing was that we didn’t concede more.”While City march into the semi-finals in strong form, Liverpool must quickly regroup ahead of the Champions League decider, where their season is in danger of slipping further.
