MAnchester City defeated a weak Liverpool side, who were made aware of the reality just days before their Champions League game against PSG. With manager Josep Guardiola in the stands, Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
City and Liverpool entered the match as evenly matched players. Pep and Slott’s instructions were clear. It was intense pressure to crush the opponent. However, the Spaniard’s plan was successful, squeezing the “pool” with his four front lines and blocking the defense at the exit. Despite this, the Anfield side had some clear chances early on, but fell flat.
Midway through the first half, Ekitike had a chance to make it 0-1 after receiving an assist from the huge Wirtz inside, but he was unable to realize it. The Citizens then responded by relentlessly penetrating into the penalty area and winning a penalty. Van Dijk clearly steps O’Leary. Haaland took charge in the 38th minute and made a mistake from the penalty spot. Just when it looked like we were going to go into half-time at 1-0, the Norwegian appeared again.
Semenyo sent a cross into the area and Elling headed it in at the far post. A perfect header at 45 minutes + 2 seconds that Mamadashvili couldn’t do anything before the break. Nothing changed after the break. Manchester City came on to wipe out a Liverpool side who could only watch them win. Four minutes into the second half, Cherki, who added some magic to Pep’s team’s play, was sent off in a one-on-one with Semenyo.
Guardiola’s winter signing left Mamadashvili without the ball. Mamadashvili could have done more. Liverpool collapsed at 3-0, giving wings to a City side that smelled of blood. In the 57th minute, Haaland completed his hat-trick with a perfect performance. A death pass from O’Reilly found the back of the net, making the final score 4-0. City survive in the FA Cup and the Premier League is within reach but far away. Liverpool, on the other hand, remain in the Champions League and must face defending champions PSG.
