Erling Haaland’s incredible five-goal display propelled Manchester City into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a dominant 6-2 victory over Luton Town.
The Norwegian striker’s clinical finishing and devastating pace proved too much for the Hatters to handle, as he bagged his eighth hat-trick for the club and became the first player to score five goals in a game twice for City.
Kevin De Bruyne played a crucial role in City’s rout, providing assists for each of Haaland’s first four goals.
The Belgian midfielder’s vision and precision were on full display as he picked apart Luton’s defence with ease. His first assist came in the fourth minute.
De Bruyne turned provider once again 15 minutes later, slipping a through ball to Haaland who coolly dispatched his second goal of the evening.
The duo combined yet again moments before halftime, this time with Haaland dinking the ball over Luton goalkeeper Tim Krul to complete his hat-trick.
Luton did manage to pull two goals back, courtesy of Jordan Clark, who curled beautifully into the top corner from 25 yards on the stroke of half-time and gave Luton hope of a memorable comeback with a thumping finish seven minutes into the second half.
Haaland – 5 goals
De Bruyne – 4 assistsMan City plays Man United on Sunday
Man United fans: pic.twitter.com/ISlnOkJfJi
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) February 27, 2024
However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished early in the second half when De Bruyne set up Haaland for his fourth goal, tapping into an empty net following a brilliant run from Kyle Walker.
Haaland’s fifth goal, which matched his effort against RB Leipzig in last season’s Champions League, was a low shot that trickled through Krul’s grasp.
The Dutch goalkeeper was then left helpless as Mateo Kovacic’s long-range effort flew past him, sealing City’s emphatic victory.
The only blemish on an otherwise perfect evening for Pep Guardiola’s men was an injury sustained by Jack Grealish, who was forced off late in the first half.
Nevertheless, City’s dominance in this fixture extends their unbeaten streak to 18 games and keeps alive their quest for a second consecutive treble.