Haaland resurgence throws down gauntlet for run-in

Haaland resurgence throws down gauntlet for run-inTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedMedia caption, FA Cup highlights: Manchester City 4-0 LiverpoolByShamoon HafezManchester City reporter at Etihad StadiumPublished3 minutes agoCommentsErling Haaland's timely return to form has thrown down the gauntlet to Manchester City's rivals as Pep Guardiola's side chase a domestic treble.City have beaten Arsenal in a cup final and now taken apart Liverpool, with those consecutive victories signalling a resolve to finish the season in style.A brilliant victory against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month inflicted a body blow on the Premier League leaders.City sent another message to north London with Saturday's ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Arne Slot's Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.Having already lifted a trophy at Wembley this season, City will return to the national stadium later this month after securing a record-extending eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance.They are also aiming to reach a fourth successive FA Cup final and Saturday's evidence shows City, and their talisman, are hungry to achieve that.Norway striker Haaland inflicted much of the damage against Liverpool with a brilliant hat-trick, his 12th since joining City in 2022, which is the most among players from Europe's big five leagues during this period."This club has to win trophies on the biggest stage," Haaland told TNT Sports."It's been some time since I have done it [scored a hat-trick] for City. It is special so I am super happy."With Guardiola serving the second game of a touchline ban, assistant Pep Lijnders took charge of the team and media duties afterwards."He is not only lovely but he is a machine to work with," said Lijnders of Haaland. "I like the guys who train like that. Compliments to him."FA Cup: Reaction as Man City thrash Liverpool t...