A blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Liverpool kicked off the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Premier League rivals faced off at Etihad Stadium in Saturday’s lunchtime showdown. It was a monster meeting as the international break ended in style.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Ultimately, the contest was a David vs Goliath clash in Manchester. City made light work of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, easing to a 4-0 win. Erling Haaland managed a hat-trick, while Antoine Semenyo continued his good start to life under Pep Guardiola with his eighth City goal following his arrival.
Is Haaland back?
Erling Haaland has struggled in recent weeks. The addition of Antoine Semenyo in January impacted the Norwegian. Haaland had scored just five goals since Christmas. Questions were starting to be asked of the 25-year-old.
However, the international break proved to be just what Haaland needed. The former Borussia Dortmund man was presented with the perfect chance to recuperate his batteries somewhat, even if he played an hour of the 0-0 draw with Switzerland.
And it showed with a performance reminiscent of the Haaland of old. It wasn’t until the 39th minute that the forward sprung into life as he sent Giorgi Mamardashvili the wrong way from 12 yards after Virgil van Dijk had fouled Nico O’Reilly.
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It was Haaland and City’s second that suggested the Norway international was back to his best. Rayan Cherki stood up Milos Kerkez, before laying off a perfectly weighted pass for Semenyo.
Haaland then beat Ibrahima Konate to Semenyo’s cross to head past Mamardashvili. This was peak Haaland. He held off a physically imposing centre-back before leaving the opposition ‘keeper rooted to the spot.
And he bagged his third shortly before the hour mark, his 28th career hat-trick. The movement was back, and so too were the goals. This was peak Haaland at just the right time as City gear up for juggernaut mode. He deservedly came off to a standing ovation.
Semenyo’s freedom wreaks havoc
While Haaland suffered a dip in form following Semenyo’s arrival from Bournemouth, the Ghana star has thrived under Pep Guardiola. His versatility is a vital quality that the City boss has utilised to good effect.
Initially, City used a 4-1-3-2 setup in order to cram in as many attacking players as possible following Semenyo’s signing. It meant Nico O’Reilly was pushed into midfield to help balance the City offensive.
Semenyo was perhaps the ideal man to flourish as City tinkered. Indeed, the former Cherries man has started on the right, in the number 10 role and on the frontline. Against Liverpool, Semenyo started from the right with Jeremy Doku on the left.
However, Semenyo wasn’t restricted to the right flank. City’s second came from the Ghanaian breaking down this side of the pitch. City’s third came from Semenyo bursting through the middle.
The decision to revert to a 4-2-3-1 system benefitted both Haaland and Semenyo as the latter dovetailed well with Rayan Cherki down the right and through the middle. If he continues this impressive link up with Cherki, then City could prove unstoppable in the final furlong.
Wirtz performance a bright spark
Florian Wirtz was heavily criticised by Gary Neville in the wake of Liverpool’s 3-0 loss at Manchester City back in November. The German looked out of his depth in the Etihad Stadium defeat last year.
Many have wondered why Liverpool opted to spend big on the former Bayer Leverkusen man. It’s no secret that he has endured a tough debut season in England. However, he has shown flashes of his talent, and Saturday was no different.
Granted, Wirtz was part of a starting XI that crashed to a 4-0 defeat to City. Conversely, when the Cityzens are in this form are unstoppable.
As Liverpool started in a narrow 4-2-2-2 setup, Wirtz was given the freedom to cut inside from the left, with Hugo Ekitike often drifting to the flank. And it was in this free role that Wirtz put in a commendable shift.
The 22-year-old may have only created one chance, but returned a 100% take on success rate, completing all three attempted take ons. No player completed more. What’s more, Wirtz won five of the seven duels he contested. Yes, he couldn’t inspire Liverpool to victory, but it’s a foundation to build upon.
