Quick Read
- Manchester City defeated Liverpool 4-0 to reach their eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final.
- Erling Haaland scored his 12th hat-trick for City, ending a brief period of goal-scoring inconsistency.
- Pep Guardiola confirmed he will not force players to stay at City if they wish to leave, addressing speculation surrounding Rodri.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Manchester City asserted their domestic dominance on Saturday, securing a record-extending eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance with a clinical 4-0 demolition of Liverpool. The victory at the Etihad Stadium unfolded under unusual circumstances, with manager Pep Guardiola forced to watch from the stands as he served the second match of a touchline suspension.
Guardiola’s Influence Amid FA Cup Dominance
Despite his physical absence from the technical area, Guardiola’s tactical imprint remained visible as his squad dismantled Arne Slot’s side. The City manager was captured on television cameras reacting with characteristic intensity to a first-half penalty claim, appearing visibly exasperated when a challenge on Rayan Cherki went unpunished. Assistant coach Pep Lijnders assumed touchline duties, steering a side that has now won 18 consecutive home matches in the FA Cup, a run that surpasses the historic record set by Clapham Rovers between 1873 and 1881.
Haaland Resurgence at the Heart of the Rout
Erling Haaland served as the catalyst for the victory, netting a decisive hat-trick that underscored his return to peak form. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot before doubling the lead with a header on the stroke of half-time, eventually completing his 12th hat-trick for the club. Lijnders praised the striker’s mentality, noting that his contribution remains essential as the club chases a domestic treble in the final two months of the season.
Addressing the Future of Rodri
Beyond the immediate cup success, Guardiola broke his silence regarding the future of midfielder Rodri amid persistent transfer links to Real Madrid. While acknowledging the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s importance to the squad, the manager reiterated his long-standing policy regarding player commitment. “The organisation of the club is above all of us,” Guardiola stated, confirming that while he hopes the Spain captain remains at the Etihad, he would not stand in the way of a player who no longer wishes to be at the club.
The clinical nature of City’s 4-0 victory, achieved without Guardiola on the touchline, highlights the profound systemic stability of the club, suggesting that their late-season momentum is driven by deep-rooted tactical discipline rather than individual managerial presence alone.