Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has given rivals a worrying warning after scoring five of City’s six goals in an FA Cup hammering of Luton Town.
The Norwegian became the first Manchester City player ever to score five goals in a game on multiple occasions.
Pep Guardiola’s side were rampant as they tore Luton apart, winning 6-2 to progress to the last eight of the competition.
Having spent a couple of months out with a foot injury, it has taken time for Haaland to regain his form. But there are no doubts now.
The forward has spoken about his readiness to fight for another treble, having helped City to a historic three trophies last season.
Having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League a year ago, City are one point below league leaders Liverpool. They are also 3-1 up on aggregate in their Champions League last-16 tie with FC Copenhagen.
Erling Haaland’s Warning To Rivals
In the aftermath of his emphatic, five-goal display against Luton, Haaland laid down the gauntlet for City’s rivals.
The Norwegian international told ITV: “It’s coming, we’re coming.
“My fitness? I am getting back to my best. Finally, I am feeling good. It’s an amazing feeling. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”
There can be few who would argue with his assessment after the five goals he scored in less than an hour.
🔵🤖 57 minutes. Five goals. pic.twitter.com/GSrd9ktLfR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2024
Haaland certainly looked back to his brilliant best as he tore open Luton’s defence time and time again at Kenilworth Road. His power, pace and movement were a joy to behold, unless you support Luton of course.
Erling Haaland’s Manchester City Record
The former Borussia Dortmund man has broken numerous records since his arrival in the summer of 2022.
Haaland is the first player to score five goals for a top-flight club in the FA Cup since George Best managed it versus Northampton in 1970. He is also the first City player to score five times in a match on different occasions.
The other time Haaland scored five in one match was against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig in the Champions League last season.
His 79 goals in 83 games for City are 30 more than the next closest Premier League player in that time – Liverpool’s Mo Salah has 49 in the same period.
Erling Haaland’s Connection With Kevin De Bruyne
It’s not just Erling Haaland’s warning that has got people talking. His relationship with teammate Kevin De Bruyne has become one of the most deadly combinations in world football.
Of the five Haaland scored against Luton, four were assisted by De Bruyne. The Belgian has assisted 16 of Haaland’s 79 City goals, and is the first Premier League player to assist a teammate four times in one game since Harry Kane set up Son Heung-min repeatedly for Tottenham against Southampton in September 2020.
Former Manchester United star Roy Keane described Haaland as ‘a machine’ on ITV, while manager Pep Guardiola said the connection with De Bruyne was ‘perfect’.
Pep added: “Kevin needs players like Erling and Erling needs players like Kevin.
“Erling needs a guy with the vision, the quality, the generosity. Kevin is the less selfish player in front of goal. Kevin needs the movement from Erling. We know how aggressive they are.”
Discussing his teammate, Haaland said: “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.”
City now face Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday in the Manchester Derby. The match is huge for both teams, with City chasing another Premier League title, and United still capable of a top four finish.
The match kicks off at 15:30 on Sunday afternoon, and will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
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