Erling Haaland’s scores hattrick as Manchester City defeats Burnley by 6-0 in FA Cup Quarter final

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored his sixth hattrick of the season as Manchester City thrashed Burnley by 6-0 in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday. Haaland took his goal tally of the season to 42. Along with him, Julian Alvarez scored twice and Cole Palmer netted the other goal.

Haaland was also the hero of City’s 7-0 against RB Leipzig in the Champions League mid-week. He scored five goals in that match. This was his sixth hat trick from the 19 appearances at the Etihad this season.

“It’s been a good couple of games — important games. (To win) 7-0 and 6-0 before the national team break is impressive. I’m really happy,” said Haaland said after the match as quoted by NDTVSports.

“I think we’re in the part of the season where we should be at our best,” the Norwegian further added.

Meanwhile, Burnley are heading toward their return to the Premier League Vincent Kompany’s first season as charge of the manager. Kompany has won four titles in his 11-year career with City. He was also given a hero’s reception at Etihad.

“It is always a place I am proud to come back but I was also proud to come here with Burnley,” said Kompany.

Coming to the match, Haaland socred the opening in the 32nd minute by prodding home Alvarez’s pass. Moments later, Phil Foden was released down the left to square, giving Haaland a chance to strike again, as the score line went to 2-0. The Norwegian finally completed his hattrick on the rebound after Foden’s shot came back off the post.

Haaland’s form even overshadowed Alvarez’s excellent start to his City career. The World Cup winner for Argentina signed an unextended contract at the Etihad this week and celebrated it with a double of his own from two Kevin De Bruyne assists.

Palmer scored the final goal for the City with a simple tap-in after Bailey Peacock-Farrell parried Foden’s cross.

With this win, City becomes the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing FA Cup, with the other three quarter-finals taking place on Sunday.