Erling Haaland scored five goals for Manchester City and then gave a warning to their silverware rivals by saying: ‘We’re coming.’
Reigning Premier League champions City made light work of Luton Town in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday evening, romping to a 6-2 win. They are now looking at possibly winning three big trophies this year after getting to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Kevin De Bruyne helped Haaland score four of his five goals as the Norwegian moved onto 27 goals for the season.
The only bad news for City was Jack Grealish being forced off the pitch after 38 minutes with another groin problem, sparking concern for England with the Euros coming up in the summer. Haaland, who is fit again and last scored five goals in March 2023 against RB Leipzig, said: “We made a plan and everyone stuck to it perfectly. Well played by everyone.
“Kevin de Bruyne is massive. He is doing what he is best at. It’s a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other. it clicks well. He is a smart player and I like to play with him.”
When asked about his own condition, Haaland said: “My fitness? I am getting back to my best. Finally I am feeling good. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming, we’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”
City are currently one point behind Liverpool in the defence of their Premier League title, having played the same number of matches. Pep Guardiola’s team are attempting to become the first club in history to win four consecutive top-flight English league titles, but the Spaniard will need his big guns like Haaland and De Bruyne firing on all cylinders if they are to break new ground.
Speaking about the pair, Guardiola said: “Erling is a special talent. To get his numbers at his age is unbelievable. Erling is on fire and Kevin. The connection was perfect. It was a really good game and we are in the quarter-finals. Kevin needs players like Erling and Erling needs players like Kevin. We are not here without the other guys. A lot of credit for everyone.
“We won our last two games 1-0 and against Chelsea we played good in the second half but couldn’t win. One game at a time. The FA Cup is a really nice competition. We are one game away to go to Wembley again.”
Guardiola admitted he fears the worst on Grealish and added: “I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think it is the groin, maybe quite similar. He felt really really good but unfortunately he got injured. It’s been a tough season for him, he has to recover well.”
Luton boss Rob Edwards said: “Our lads were incredibly brave and bold, we stuck to our task as we have all season. We gave ourselves a chance at 3-2 but we’ve been hit by arguably the best team in the world. But if you allow it to hit you then you are done and we are not done yet.”
