Liverpool endured a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, crashing out of the competition and intensifying pressure on manager Arne Slot.
Erling Haaland’s hat trick and a goal from Antoine Semenyo sealed a dominant victory for City at the Etihad Stadium, extending their run to an eighth consecutive FA Cup semifinal.
The Reds’ struggles were summed up when Mohamed Salah, making his first appearance since confirming he will leave at the end of the season, missed a penalty, denied by goalkeeper James Trafford.
Despite a competitive start, Liverpool failed to recover after conceding the opener, with defensive lapses and missed chances proving costly. Salah and Hugo Ekitike both squandered early opportunities, while City capitalised ruthlessly at the other end.
Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot before doubling the lead just before halftime, heading in from close range. Semenyo added a third early in the second half, racing through to chip Giorgi Mamardashvili, before Haaland completed his hat trick with a powerful finish off the crossbar.
Liverpool’s afternoon worsened when a late penalty offered a route back, only for Salah’s effort to be saved, compounding a frustrating outing.
The defeat continues a difficult season for Liverpool, who now turn their attention to a daunting Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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