Erling Haaland returned to his best form with a five-goal barrage as the FA Cup holders Manchester City ran riot in a 6-2 rout of Luton Town in the fifth round on Tuesday. With a dominating win at Kenilworth Road Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup quarterfinals in style. Luton had no answer for the marauding Norwegian, who scored his eighth City hat trick before halftime and then scored twice more after the break to end a dramatic Luton comeback. Mateo Kovacic scored the sixth goal for City, who are unbeaten in 18 games across all competitions. Midfielder Jordan Clark struck twice for Luton.
The 23-year-old Haaland became the first player to score five or more goals in an FA Cup match for a club since George Best netted six for Manchester United against Northampton Town in 1970. The Norwegian striker’s first four goals were all created by Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder is just the second player to assist four goals in an FA Cup match for a Premier League club since 2004-05, following on from former City teammate Ilkay Gundogan in 2019.
Luton threatened an unexpected comeback when Clark hit the top corner with a superb strike on the stroke of halftime, and he scored again early in the second half to make it 3-2. However, a powerful City side quickly found another gear and produced an unstoppable game. The one blemish for City, who face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, March 3, was an injury to Jack Grealish, who was forced off in the first half.
Haaland had only scored five goals in his previous 11 City outings, which had been cut short by a foot injury that some believed had taken the edge off his game. But he proved any naysayers wrong with a magnificent exhibition of center-forward play.
After registering an emphatic win, Haaland applauded De Bruyne for playing a crucial role in his demolition of Luton. Kevin is massive. It’s a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other. I’m getting back to my best. Finally, I’m feeling good, Haaland expressed. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming, we’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack, the Norwegian added.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United survived a scare to beat second-tier Blackburn 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka emerged as the shoot-out hero with two saves.
