SURYAErling Haaland showcased his top form, scoring five goals as Manchester City secured a resounding 6-2 victory against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, advancing to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Tuesday.
Erling Haaland unleashed a breathtaking display of skill and finesse, orchestrating a five-goal extravaganza that propelled Manchester City to a resounding 6-2 victory over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, securing their coveted berth in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Luton Town found themselves helpless against the relentless onslaught of the Norwegian sensation, who achieved the remarkable feat of notching his eighth City hat-trick before halftime, before adding two more sensational strikes in the second half to extinguish any hopes of a Luton comeback.
The 23-year-old prodigy’s first four goals were masterfully facilitated by the wizardry of Kevin De Bruyne, underscoring a seamless partnership that left Luton’s defense in tatters.
Mateo Kovacic also left his mark on the scoreline for the reigning champions, as Manchester City extended their unbeaten streak to an impressive 18 games across all competitions.
Luton Town managed to mount a surprising comeback attempt when Jordan Clark executed a sublime strike, finding the top corner just before halftime, and swiftly followed it up with another goal early in the second half, narrowing the score to 3-2. However, Manchester City, displaying their formidable prowess, promptly shifted into a higher gear, effortlessly securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Haaland’s remarkable feat marked a historic moment, as he became the first top-flight player to score five goals in an FA Cup tie since George Best’s legendary performance for Manchester United against Northampton Town in 1970.
Despite their dominant performance, Manchester City faced a setback with an injury to Jack Grealish, who was forced off during the opening period.
Prior to this game, Haaland had only managed to score five goals in his previous 11 appearances for City, a period interrupted by a foot injury that had led some to question his form. However, he unequivocally silenced any doubters with a breathtaking display of center forward excellence
Manchester City demonstrated their intent right from the kickoff, swiftly taking the lead in the fourth minute when Matheus Nunes threaded a precise pass to De Bruyne, who delivered a perfectly weighted ball for Haaland to unleash a powerful strike past Tim Krul.
In the 18th minute, De Bruyne orchestrated another masterful play, setting up Haaland to double City’s advantage with clinical precision. Haaland’s hat-trick goal mirrored his earlier prowess, as he once again capitalized on a sublime through ball from De Bruyne, delicately chipping it over Krul.
Amidst the jubilation of the home crowd, Jordan Clark injected hope for Luton with a splendidly curled shot past Stefan Ortega, exploiting a moment of slack defending from City.
However, Luton’s joy was short-lived as Haaland swiftly responded, tapping in another pinpoint pass from De Bruyne, before sealing his extraordinary performance with a fifth goal from Bernardo Silva’s assist, prompting his substitution to the relief of the Luton faithful.
Meanwhile, in another FA Cup encounter, second-tier leaders Leicester City secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Premier League side Bournemouth, further asserting their prowess alongside Pep Guardiola’s formidable side.
