Erling Haaland’s hat-trick eliminates Liverpool, sends Manchester City to FA Cup semis

Manchester City delivered a dominant performance to crush Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final, with Erling Haaland stealing the show with a hat-trick. The heavy defeat piled more pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whose team looked out of form throughout the match.City took control late in the first half when Haaland scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Nico O’Reilly. Just before halftime, he struck again with a well-timed header. 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, sealing a commanding win. Liverpool’s misery was summed up when Mohamed Salah missed a penalty, with City goalkeeper James Trafford making the save.The defeat adds to Liverpool’s poor run, with just two wins in their last seven matches. Fans voiced their frustration, and Slot now faces growing criticism. Reflecting on the tough phase, he said, "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."He also admitted, "It's very disappointing to be out, not only in the manner but also the score. Another big disappointment for us," and added, "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 a crucial Champions League clash, with their season at risk of slipping further.