Luton Town 2, Manchester City 6 (FA Cup)
Erling Haaland hit his 8th hat trick for Manchester City – and first away from the Etihad Stadium – in a thrilling FA Cup win at Luton.
Embed from Getty ImagesHaaland became the first City player ever to hit five goals in a single game twice after hitting five for City by the 58th minute before Mateo Kovacic made it six as City ominously hit top gear ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
And hat trick hero Haaland sounded a warning to the rest of the Premier League that he and City were coming into form at just the right time for 5 tough games in 20 days.
On Luton, he said: “Everyone stuck to the plan, we did well and kept the ball. Well played by everyone.”
He had only praise for his partnership with Kevin De Bruyne, who laid on four of his five goals tonight, adding: “Kevin had a massive role, doing what he’s best it. It’s a pleasure playing with him.
“We know what we both want from each other and look at each other throughout the game.
“He’s a smart guy and I like to play with smart guys.”
And finally, he signalled that City were hitting top form at a crucial part of the season: “My fitness is getting back to my best, I’m feeling good.
“We are ready to attack. Exciting times ahead!”
Two goals in the middle of this game by Jordan Clark only served to make City that much more determined to make the game safe.
Luton had been the only Premier League side that the Norwegian had not scored against and he soon made up for lost time by hitting five within the hour – joining Manchester United and Fulham as the sides he has actually scored the most against.
Haaland’s first three were laid on by Kevin De Bruyne, first with a cross and next with two well weighted through balls, the big Norwegian was in the right place after just three minutes, then 18 minutes, and then 40 minutes to put City firmly in the driving seat.
By this time Jack Grealish, who had a quiet night and turned down the chance to chip Tim Krull in the Luton net, had limped off with a recurrence of the groin injury that he sustained in Copenhagen and looked visibly upset on the bench.
Any thoughts of resting players had to be put on hold after Luton added some spice to the game.
Jordan Clarke smashed in Luton’s first of the night just before half time with a nicely controlled dipping shot that curled beyond reach by Ortega and into the top corner – set up by Ross Barkley.
And after the half time break Clarke scored his second of the night after chesting down a ball forward from Barkley before volleying it past Ortega after the German’s poor pass out left City exposed after 52 minutes.
But Haaland restored the two goal lead with his fourth of the night from seven yards out after – yes, De Bruyne – squared the ball to him after getting on the end of a Walker pass forward.
Andros Townsend came on but Nunes almost made to five to City with a low shot before – yes, Haaland – hit his fifth of the night.
His powerful shot squirmed past Krul after Bernardo Silva set him up after 58 minutes to put any thoughts of a comeback by Luton to bed.
De Bruyne had a shot saved by Krul while Ortega had to save from Carlton Morris, Barkley, and Tahith Chong as the tie remained edge of the seat stuff.
Jeremy Doku forced a saved from Krul before Mateo Kovacic smashed home City’s 6th of the night after 72 minutes after a lay off by John Stones who was bossing midfield.
City made a quadruple change with 13 minutes to go with Haaland, Stones, Nathan Ake, and Bernardo Silva made way.
Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, Julian Alvarez, and Sergio Gomez replaced them as City saw out the win without any more drama.