Reigning champions Manchester City delivered a dominant performance, cruising into the FA Cup quarter-final by thrashing Luton.
Kevin De Bruyne played a crucial role, providing assists for four of Haaland’s five goals, further bolstering the City striker’s impressive tally to 27 goals this season.
City’s only downside was Jack Grealish suffering a recurrence of his groin injury which forced him off after just 38 minutes and will be a major worry for England ahead of this summer’s Euros.
Erling Haaland warning to rivals
Erling Haaland‘s remarkable five-goal performance propelled Manchester City to a resounding 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup, sending an ominous warning to Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal. With the champions eyeing another Treble, Haaland’s prolific display underlines City’s formidable attacking prowess.
Erling Haaland scored five for rampant Manchester City and then warned: “We’re coming.”
Fit-again Haaland, who last scored five for City in March 2023 against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, said: “We made a plan and everyone stuck to it perfectly. Well played by everyone.
“Kevin de Bruyne is massive. He is doing what he is best at. It’s a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other. it clicks well. He is a smart player and I like to play with him.
“My fitness? I am getting back to my best. Finally I am feeling good. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming, we’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”
City boss Guardiola said: “Erling is a special talent. To get his numbers at his age is unbelievable. Erling is on fire and Kevin. The connection was perfect. It was a really good game and we are in the quarter-finals.
“Kevin needs players like Erling and Erling needs players like Kevin. We are not here without the other guys. A lot of credit for everyone.
“We won our last two games 1-0 and against Chelsea we played good in the second half but couldn’t win. One game at a time. The FA Cup is a really nice competition. We are one game away to go to Wembley again.”
Guardiola worst fears
According to the mirror, Guardiola admits his fears on Grealish.
Guardiola admitted he fears the worst on Grealish and added: “I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think it is the groin, maybe quite similar. He felt really really good but unfortunately he got injured. It’s been a tough season for him, he has to recover well.”
Luton boss Rob Edwards said: “Our lads were incredibly brave and bold, we stuck to our task as we have all season. We gave ourselves a chance at 3-2 but we’ve been hit by arguably the best team in the world. But if you allow it to hit you then you are done and we are not done yet.”
