Manchester City’s Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland Tuesday made history as he scored five goals against Luton in the FA Cup with the visitors running riot in a 6-2 victory at Kenilworth Road.
It was the second time Haaland had hit five goals in a single game for City after his heroics in the Champions League last 16 second leg win against RB Leipzig in March 2023.
More so, Guardiola’s star player Kevin De Bruyne helped himself to four assists to the Norwegian in the incredible match where Bernardo Silva also assisted the 23-year-old striker, and Mateo Kovacic finished the scoring routine for the Cityzens.
Jordan Clark scored the only two goals for the Hatters, both set up by Ross Barkley on the night.
But any Luton hopes of an incredible comeback were ruthlessly erased by Haaland as the Norway striker scored twice more after the interval to send City into the quarter-finals.
Haaland makes history
With his five goals, Haaland yet again entered the record books as he became the first Man City player since 1926 to score five goals in an FA Cup match.
Frank Roberts was the City ace who nearly 100 years ago hit five in an 11-4 thrashing of Crystal Palace.
Haaland’s first goal came after three minutes at Kenilworth Road. And he doubled his tally in the 18th minute.
The Norwegian ‘goal-machine’ made it 3-0 to City five minutes before the break. His fourth goal came in the 55th minute.
And Haaland hit No5 just moments later to top an incredible performance. He didn’t get the chance to make it six goals though, with Pep Guardiola taking off his star striker in the 76th minute.
Haaland had pal De Bruyne to thank for four of his five strikes, with the Belgian laying on an assist after the other, finishing with four assists for City’s first four goals further emphasizing his sizzling form since returning from injury.
Incredible Haaland
Haaland now has 27 goals in all competitions this season, making a mockery of the critics who took a swipe at him after a misfiring display in a recent draw against Chelsea.
City have won 14 of their last 15 games in all competitions as they try to emulate last season’s Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble.
Haaland and De Bruyne are rounding into form in time for Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
The only frustration for City was Jack Grealish’s first-half injury, the latest setback in a disappointing season for the England winger.
It was City’s 41st match this season and they could face another 21 games over the next three months.
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