Liverpool endured a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup quarterfinals, crashing out of the competitors and intensifying stress on supervisor Arne Slot.
Erling Haaland’s hat trick and a objective from Antoine Semenyo sealed a dominant victory for Metropolis on the Etihad Stadium, extending their run to an eighth consecutive FA Cup semifinal.
The Reds’ struggles had been summed up when Mohamed Salah, making his first look since confirming he’ll depart on the finish of the season, missed a penalty, denied by goalkeeper James Trafford.
Regardless of a aggressive begin, Liverpool didn’t get better after conceding the opener, with defensive lapses and missed possibilities proving pricey. Salah and Hugo Ekitike each squandered early alternatives, whereas Metropolis capitalised ruthlessly on the different finish.
Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot earlier than doubling the lead simply earlier than halftime, heading in from shut vary. Semenyo added a 3rd early within the second half, racing by to chip Giorgi Mamardashvili, earlier than Haaland accomplished his hat trick with a robust end off the crossbar.
Liverpool’s afternoon worsened when a late penalty supplied a route again, just for Salah’s effort to be saved, compounding a irritating outing.
The defeat continues a tough season for Liverpool, who now flip their consideration to a frightening Champions League conflict in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
Times Nigeria