Manchester City secured a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive year with a commanding 6-2 victory against Luton at Kenilworth Road. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, marking their 50th appearance as City teammates, orchestrated a memorable performance with four collaborative goal involvements.
In an assertive start to their first FA Cup clash with Luton since 1969, Manchester City wasted no time, opening the scoring within three minutes. Matheus Nunes initiated the attack, feeding De Bruyne, who set up Haaland for a clinical finish.
The Haaland-De Bruyne partnership doubled City’s lead in the 18th minute, as Haaland capitalised on another precise pass from De Bruyne, slotting the ball through Tim Krul’s legs. The duo continued their dominance as Haaland completed a hat-trick with a delicate chip over Krul in the 45th minute.
Despite Luton’s spirited attempt to restore pride before halftime, courtesy of Jordan Clark’s stunning long-range goal, the hosts found themselves trailing. Clark continued to impress, volleying home another goal just after the break, momentarily surprising the visitors.
Responding to the host’s resilience, Haaland and De Bruyne collaborated for the fourth time, providing Haaland with an easy tap-in, marking their 20th joint goal participation in City colours. Haaland secured his fifth goal moments later, receiving a well-timed pass from Bernardo Silva.
Mateo Kovačić sealed the victory with a sensational long-distance strike in the 72nd minute, capping off Manchester City’s devastating attacking display and extending their FA Cup winning streak to nine games.
For Luton, it was a dismal evening, extinguishing hopes of emulating their FA Cup semi-final run from 30 years ago. With only a grim battle against an immediate return to the EFL Championship on the horizon, City’s dominant performance leaves Luton facing a challenging future.
