Tuesday’s FA Cup quarterfinals were reached by Manchester City when they defeated Luton Town 6-2 at Kenilworth Road thanks to a five-goal burst from Erling Haaland, who returned to his best.
FA Cup,The rampaging Norwegian ended a dramatic Luton comeback before halftime with his ninth City hat-trick and added two more goals after the break. Luton had no answer for him.
Kevin De Bruyne set up the opening four goals for the 23-year-old Haaland. Mateo Kovacic also scored for the reigning champion City, who have won 18 games in all competitions.
Jordan Clark’s spectacular goal just before halftime and his second goal early in the second half to make it 3-2 gave Luton hope for an unexpected comeback. However, a formidable City team quickly discovered a new gear to easily advance to the last eight.
In an FA Cup match, Haaland became the first player in the top division to score five goals since George Best did so for Manchester United against Northampton Town in 1970.
Jack Grealish’s injury, which forced him off the field in the first half, is the lone setback for City, who play Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
In his previous 11 City games, Haaland had only five goals to his name. Some speculated that this was because of a foot issue that had affected his play.
But with a brilliant performance of center forward play, he decisively silenced any skeptics.
From the off, City was serious business, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Matheus Nunes found De Bruyne, who cut back a wonderful cross for Haaland to score past Tim Krul.
In the eighteenth minute, Haaland was let through by De Bruyne, making it 2-0. Haaland’s hat-trick goal was nearly identical, as he again pounced on a De Bruyne ball to dink a shot over Krul.
Clark’s flawless shot past Stefan Ortega brought joy to the home crowd, and just after the break, Luton punished City for some careless defending as Clark finished beautifully.
However, a few minutes later, Haaland scored his fifth goal thanks to a ball from De Bruyne, and much to Luton’s relief, he was immediately replaced.
Second-class leaders After defeating Premier League Bournemouth 1-0, Leicester City advanced to the quarterfinals with Pep Guardiola’s team.
By,HHM