Haaland Breaks Eight-Month Goal Drought with Hat-Trick as City Demolish Liverpool
Manchester, 4 April 2026
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland ended his longest goal drought since joining Manchester City with a devastating hat-trick performance that secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Liverpool in yesterday’s FA Cup quarter-final. The clinical display marked Haaland’s first treble since August 2024, helping City advance to a record eighth consecutive semi-final appearance whilst simultaneously breaking a 150-year home cup record previously held by Victorian-era team Clapham Rovers.
Norwegian Giant Returns to Form
The Norwegian striker’s return to prolific form came at a crucial moment for Pep Guardiola’s side, who watched from the stands as his team dismantled Liverpool with clinical efficiency [1]. Haaland’s hat-trick on 3 April 2026 moved him to 33 goals in 44 games across all competitions this season [2], demonstrating the consistency that has made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards. The treble represented his 12th hat-trick for the club [3], underlining his remarkable scoring record since joining City. His goals came at the 39th minute from the penalty spot, the 45+2 minute with a deft header, and the 57th minute to complete the rout [4].
Historic Milestone Achieved at the Etihad
City’s victory not only secured their passage to the semi-finals but also established a remarkable historical achievement. The win represented their 18th consecutive home victory in the FA Cup, breaking a record that had stood for 150 years [1]. The previous record belonged to Clapham Rovers, who won 17 home cup ties between December 1873 and February 1881 before the club was dissolved in 1914 [1]. This latest triumph also guaranteed City an eighth straight FA Cup semi-final appearance, extending their own record set last season [1]. Should they progress further, one more victory would make City the first team to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals [1].
Salah’s Struggles Compound Liverpool’s Woes
The match marked a particularly difficult outing for Mohamed Salah, who was playing his first game since announcing his departure from Anfield at the end of the season [3][4]. The Egyptian forward missed two clear chances and had a penalty saved by James Trafford when Liverpool were already trailing 4-0 [1][4]. ESPN’s Beth Lindop observed that despite Salah’s previous record of being involved in 21 Liverpool goals against City (13 goals and eight assists), his latest ineffectual performance ‘evidenced why a parting of ways this summer may be in the best interests of all parties’ [1]. The penalty miss epitomised Liverpool’s struggles throughout the encounter, with the team appearing ‘entirely ill-equipped to deal with any kind of setback’ according to Lindop [1].
Pressure Mounts on Slot Ahead of Crucial Fixtures
The comprehensive defeat has intensified pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, particularly with a crucial Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for 8 April 2026 [1][3]. Liverpool’s defensive frailties were exposed throughout the match, with Michael Oliver awarding City a penalty after Nico O’Reilly was tripped by Virgil van Dijk [3]. Antoine Semenyo also found the net for City, assisted by Rayan Cherki, who had a notable impact before being substituted and was later seen wearing Hugo Ekitike’s shirt [3]. For City, the victory continues their pursuit of multiple trophies this season, having already secured the Carabao Cup with a victory over Arsenal [4]. As Rob Dawson noted, if Haaland can maintain this form, ‘City will have a chance of adding the FA Cup and the Premier League title to the Carabao Cup – already safely in the trophy cabinet’ [1].