Erling Haaland’s sixth hat-trick of the year helped Manchester City crush Burnley 6-0 in their FA Cup quarterfinal, solidifying his reputation as one of the most threatening strikers in Europe.
It was a night of celebration at the Etihad Stadium, with the return of former captain Vincent Kompany to his old stomping ground. But it soon turned into the Haaland show as the Norwegian hitman fired home a sensational treble in just over 60 minutes to book City’s place in the last four and put them within touching distance of a Wembley final.
Haaland fired the first two goals of the night just after the half-hour mark, as City finally found their way through a stubborn Burnley defense. Both goals were expertly taken, with the first a neat poke beyond Bailey Peacock-Farrell, and the second a sumptuous lob over the ‘keeper. Haaland had already grabbed five goals in the Champions League in midweek and was at it again, completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish after Phil Foden struck the post.
The floodgates opened after that, with Kevin De Bruyne, Cole Palmer, and Julian Alvarez getting in on the act. Alvarez scored twice, including a sublime solo effort as he raced onto a De Bruyne through ball before thumping home.
The result perfectly illustrates why Man City is the favorite to win the FA Cup this season. It was also a personal triumph for Haaland, who scored 42 goals in his debut season at the club and is undoubtedly the first name on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet.
His six hat-tricks this season surpass any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, and his form has been a major factor in City’s impressive campaign. The stage is now set for City’s semi-final at Wembley, and Haaland will be looking to continue his extraordinary run of form. On this evidence, it looks like nothing can stop him.