Erling Haaland made a powerful statement to Manchester City’s rivals after his impressive performance, scoring five goals in their dominant 6-2 victory over Luton Town in the FA Cup on Tuesday. Haaland announced his return to form, stating that “we’re ready to attack.”
After a relatively quiet period with only three goals in seven appearances since his return from a foot injury that kept him out for over a month between December and January, the Norwegian striker demonstrated a resurgence of his prolific scoring ability at Kenilworth Road. Haaland scored a hat-trick in the first half followed by two more goals in the second half, easily propelling City into the FA Cup quarterfinals.
In achieving this feat, Haaland made history by becoming the first top-flight player to score five goals in an FA Cup match since George Best’s incredible six-goal performance for Manchester United against Northampton Town in 1970.
“I am getting back to my best,” he told ITV afterward. “Finally I am feeling good. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming, we’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”
Erling Haaland has scored five goals in a single match for the second time in just a season and a half with Manchester City. He replicated a similar achievement during their 7-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League last year. The 23-year-old striker has been in prolific form and has now scored an impressive total of 79 goals in 83 appearances for Manchester City across all competitions.
It is worth noting that Haaland’s first four goals against Luton were facilitated by assists from Kevin De Bruyne. Both Haaland and De Bruyne have faced significant periods of absence due to injuries throughout the season.
“It’s a pleasure playing with him,” Haaland added. “I think we know what we both want from each other, we look at each other and it clicks well.”
Haaland’s stellar performance and effective partnership with De Bruyne are poised to bolster the confidence within Manchester City’s camp, reigniting hopes of replicating last season’s triumphant treble of trophies. In their previous campaign, City clinched the Premier League title, FA Cup, and Champions League, and the synergy between Haaland and De Bruyne suggests that such success may be within reach once again.
“Erling was on fire and Kevin was perfect,” Man City manager Pep Guardiola said. “The connection they have. Erling needs a player like Kevin and Kevin needs a player like Erling.”
After a slow start to the season by their standards, Guardiola’s side are now just one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. They’ve also got one foot in the Champions League quarterfinals after a solid 3-1 win against FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.
The second leg is set for March 6, right after City’s match against local rivals Manchester United on Sunday.