Haaland’s Hat Trick Secures Manchester City’s Eighth Straight FA Cup Semifinal

Manchester City booked their place in the FA Cup semifinals for the eighth consecutive season thanks to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland delivered a clinical hat trick—his first multi-goal outing since December—to power Pep Guardiola’s side into the last four and reinforce City’s status as the competition’s dominant force.

Dominant Display at the Etihad Stadium

From the opening whistle, City controlled possession and territory, cutting through Liverpool’s defense with sharp passing and intelligent movement. Haaland opened the scoring with a composed finish in the first half, before adding two more in quick succession after the break. Midfielder Phil Foden capped the rout with a precise strike, underscoring Manchester City’s capacity to click into high gear when it matters most.

Record-Breaking FA Cup Home Form

18 Consecutive Home Victories

Manchester City’s 4-0 win extends their record run of FA Cup home victories to 18. This unprecedented streak—dating back to February 2017—surpasses Clapham Rovers’ long-standing mark from the 19th century. While semifinal matches shift to Wembley Stadium, City’s fortress-like form at the Etihad has set the tone for their cup pedigree.

Haaland’s Return to Multi-Goal Form

First Multi-Goal Game Since December

Despite his ruthless scoring rate, Haaland had not recorded multiple goals in a single match since December 2025. His latest performance not only silences concerns over secondary attacking options but also highlights his importance in critical moments of City’s campaign. As Guardiola looks to secure a second trophy this season, Haaland’s sharp finishing offers a clear path to silverware.

Season Implications and Upcoming Challenges

Reviving the Premier League Title Race

With the EFL Cup already in the trophy cabinet, Manchester City now turn their full attention back to the Premier League. Currently trailing Arsenal by nine points but holding a game in hand—and a head-to-head clash set for April 19—City have every opportunity to ramp up pressure on their rivals. Sustained winning runs, fueled by Haaland’s scoring prowess, could swing momentum in their favor.

Key Fixtures on the Horizon

Before the FA Cup semifinals arrive at Wembley, City face a challenging run of league matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Burnley. These fixtures will test the squad’s depth and resilience. Guardiola’s men have shown they can perform on multiple fronts, and their ability to maintain form across competitions will be critical in determining the season’s outcome.

Conclusion

Erling Haaland’s hat trick not only sealed Manchester City’s place in yet another FA Cup semifinal but also reaffirmed their status as the competition’s benchmark for consistency and excellence. With domestic cups and the Premier League title race still very much alive, City will rely on their record-breaking home form and Haaland’s clinical edge to deliver more silverware before the season ends.