Haaland hat-trick powers City in 4-0 rout of Liverpool

Erling Haaland struck a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool to continue their late-season resurgence and boost their FA Cup hopes on Saturday.

City, looking to salvage their campaign after trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal and exiting the Champions League, produced a dominant display to underline their return to form.

Liverpool made a bright start but failed to capitalise on early pressure, with Hugo Ekitike firing just wide before Mohamed Salah squandered a clear chance from close range.

Salah who has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, endured a disappointing outing. He later missed a second-half penalty after Matheus Nunes fouled Ekitike.

City took control in the 39th minute when Nunes found Nico O’Reilly in the area and Virgil van Dijk’s clumsy challenge resulted in a penalty that Haaland converted.

The Norway striker doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, glancing home a precise header from a cross after a well-timed run ahead of Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool’s defensive frailties were exposed five minutes into the second half again when Rayan Cherki’s pass released Antoine Semenyo, who calmly lifted his finish over Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, drilling home from close range after O’Reilly set him up, marking the 28th treble of his career.

City’s victory followed their League Cup final win over Arsenal before the international break, keeping alive their hopes of silverware and an outside chance in the Premier League title race.

Elsewhere, Chelsea host third-tier side Port Vale later on Saturday, while Arsenal visit Championship outfit Southampton.

West Ham United face Leeds United at the London Stadium in the final quarter-final on Sunday.