Manchester City

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

Waxing lyrical about Erling Haaland's goalscoring capabilities - who would have thought it? But for the past few weeks, and perhaps months, the big Norwegian has been well off the pace for Manchester City.

Prior to his sensational hat-trick against Arne Slot's Liverpool on Saturday, Haaland had scored just five goals in 19 games across 2026.

Perhaps for any other forward player in English football, they would be the sort of numbers you would come to admire. But for a Manchester City side so reliant on having the right man to finish off a boat-load of chances created per 90 minutes, it is imperative that the 25-year-old is firing.

City are now firmly into the business phase of the season and the final run-in that will ultimately decide their trophy-winning outcome this season. With one major title already in the bag, it is perhaps Haaland that could be the difference between claiming a domestic cup double, chasing down Arsenal for a domestic treble or concluding the campaign with just the Carabao Cup - depending on his own fitness and form.

Saturday's game was a Haaland highlight reel - the perfect showcase of timing runs, anticipating the attacking phases of his creative team-mates and converting when either under immense pressure or faced by a physical battle from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil Van Dijk.

The truth is that neither of the Reds' central defensive pairing could get near him and the latter's poorly-timed challenge on Nico O'Reilly to give away a penalty in the first half certainly did not help their cause.

But for all his excellence in front of goal, the most exciting element of City's display involving Haaland was his combination play with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo for a headed goal that left Giorgi Mamardashvili standing and watching as Haaland's headed effort flew beyond him.

In truth, Manchester City were always expected to beat Liverpool in this FA Cup quarter-final tie. But the margin of the scoreline is what may have surprised many, and that comes as a direct result of having Haaland firing to his true potential, or one that has too often been a passenger in the new calendar year.

It is a very scary thought for those competing directly with City for major trophies during the final weeks of the season, but despite his 40-goal contributions across all competitions, perhaps Haaland has not even reached his top level yet.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Manchester City fans have formed an independent trust which will "represent supporters now and in the future".

The Citizens Trust, external say City were one of only a handful of clubs in the top tiers of English football which did not already have an independent supporters' trust.

The core aims of trust include representing supporter interest, protecting the culture and heritage of the club and engaging with the ownership for the benefit of the community.

Nick Clarke, interim chair of the new trust, said:, external "The lack of a supporters' trust at City has long been a missing link in the chain between the club and its fans.

"Now, our fans have an opportunity to build a strong, collective voice to reinforce that link.

"Supporters across the country feel increasingly disconnected from the modern game, often feeling powerless to decisions impacting both their clubs and traditions they've built over generations - Blues are no different.

"This is our chance to begin reversing that trend at City in a really positive way."

Barcelona and Juventus are among the clubs who want to sign Manchester City and Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, on a free transfer this summer. (Sky Sports, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on the possibility of Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City this summer and how the club might look to replace their captain if he does depart.

Here are some of your comments:

Brian: Bernardo Silva has been an outstanding player for City, full of attacking spirit and close ball-control ability. His legacy will be a club rich in belief and pride in that jersey. It is the right time for Bernardo to leave on a high as club captain and faithful ambassador for all things City. City are truly richer for Bernardo's chapter in our history.

Steve: He has been a joy to watch, but with his age and him wanting to go back home to play for his club in Portugal, probably it is his time. He's won everything and let's hope he can win the FA Cup for the topping of his cake.

Cal: We knew it would be happening so are better prepared. Different to the shock of Kompany, Aguero and De Bruyne. He is in the class of those legends without a doubt. He gives everything and more. He covers every blade of grass every time he plays. He doesn't really have a position anymore, you could put him at left-back and he would still put a shift in. It is 100% right you can't replace the irreplaceable.

Pat: I would be surprised if Bernardo stays, though I would like him to. He is a very important player on the team and seems to be everywhere on the pitch during a game.

Chris: Hot take - Bernardo hasn't been quite at the level he once was this last couple of years. Elliot Anderson would be a fantastic replacement, but Nico O'Reilly is more than adept. Back four of Nunes, Dias, Khusanov and Gvardiol allows O'Reilly to move forward. Even Nico Gonzalez has looked good whenever he's stepped in.

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Former Premier League goalkeeper Rob Green believes James Trafford would not start for Manchester City in a Champions League final but "could grow" in that role.

Trafford has kept back-to-back clean sheets in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal and FA Cup quarter-final win against Liverpool, but has not started in the Premier League since Gianluigi Donnarumma was signed after the first three games.

"He's had a wonderful few weeks," Green told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He had a really good evening with England despite not winning and he had his moments at Wembley for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

"On Saturday he had his moment again and we know the FA Cup is all about moments.

"What Donnarumma does, and this is not to say the Carabao Cup isn't a great occasion, is he grows in those huge occasions.

"I don't think City play James Trafford in a Champions League final. I don't think he would get the nod even now. But I think he could grow to be. Whether he is there for it, I don't know.

"I don't know how he looks at this season now. The only problem [with him leaving to become a number one] is if clubs have money they can afford to spend on a goalkeeper.

"You're bottom of the queue if you're a goalkeeper in terms of transfers. They move for less."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Manchester City and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Manchester City fans

Gene: Overall fine performance against a team that looks like a shell of its former self, especially defensively. Haaland needed a game like this to help get back in a groove. Statistically, this was an even match, but the individual battles were weighted towards City, which was evident during the game.

Terry: Super after the first 20 minutes. Happy for Haaland, shut the moaners up about how good he is for City.

Heather: Never doubt this team. They have had their ups and downs this season. Yet when it comes to this time in the football calendar, they know how to get the job done. Great result.

Stephen: One word sums it up - superb!

Liverpool fans

Omedo: For how long should we endure the pain? With all due respect, Slot's time to leave Liverpool is long overdue. The owners should have mercy and save ardent Liverpool supporters from further agony.

Zahid: Poor, not good enough. At this point, what are we doing? Van Dijk barely knows how to defend and we still don't invest in a January signing for this season. Don't see us going anywhere this season.

Seth: Awful performance. Missed our chances and gifted them several soft goals. Salah is a Liverpool legend but his best days are behind him, it really was a day to forget for him. Defensively, we are all over the place. VVD and Konate far below the levels they have set in past seasons. We are very vulnerable. Sadly, this season will be a huge disappointment. We won't win the Champions League, nor will we finish in the top five. Slot's time is rapidly running out, just like his ideas. He needs to go. Slot out.

Russell: Absolutely shocking. The PSG game could be embarrassing. Slot needs to go.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Pep Guardiola's assistant Pep Lijnders has hinted Bernardo Silva's time at the club will finish in the summer, saying "every good story comes to an end".

When the skipper climbed the steps at Wembley Stadium following Manchester City's brilliant Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal last Sunday, it was the 18th piece of silverware he had lifted since joining the club from Monaco in 2017.

Silva may not quite have the standing of past City icons such as Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany or David Silva, but his achievements will undoubtedly sit alongside theirs when he does make his exit from Etihad Stadium.

In September, the midfielder said he knows "exactly" what he is going to do when his deal comes to an end, without actually revealing what that is.

He has not yet signed an extension and has been linked with the likes of La Liga leaders Barcelona, Serie A side Juventus and clubs in America.

City are understood to be interested in signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in the summer, a move that may well transpire whether Silva leaves or not.

But how do City go about replacing a player like Silva with this chapter in his career possibly about to close?

"You don't replace him, he is in many ways irreplaceable," said former City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. "He doesn't have a position, he is everywhere."

Ex-City women's captain Steph Houghton added: "There is nobody that can do what he does. With Bernardo, he is a different kind of leader to Kompany or Fernandinho.

"A lot of it is through performances and about him leading the boys in doing certain things, you can't fault his effort every single time he pulls on a Manchester City shirt.

"No matter where he is playing, he gives absolutely everything."

With Silva's time in Manchester looking increasingly likely to be coming to an end, how do you feel about the captain's possible departure in the summer? Is he irreplaceable?

Get in touch with your views here

Read more from Shamoon on Silva's impact at City here

Manchester City are among the clubs who have been contacted about the potential availability of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, 25. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals has been made.

Leeds United will play Chelsea after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years.

Last year's finalists Manchester City will take on Championship side Southampton in the other semi-final.

The games will be played at Wembley on the weekend of 25-26 April.

Watch all the highlights and best video from this season's FA Cup

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City have been the stand-out team in the FA Cup since Guardiola took charge almost a decade ago.

The team have played 52 FA Cup matches in that time – winning 44 and scoring 157 goals.

They have won 18 consecutive home matches in the competition and in doing so have surpassed Clapham Rovers' long-standing record, which was set between December 1873 and February 1881.

The last team to beat City in the FA Cup at Etihad Stadium were Middlesbrough 11 years ago.

"It's the part of the season where the business has to be done, the boys feel that," Guardiola's assistant Pep Lijnders said.

This is a month that will go a long way to defining City's season.

They will travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, 12 April, before hosting Arsenal seven days later as they aim to chase down the leaders.

"You would expect them to win the game in hand and that game against Arsenal is crucial," former Premier League midfielder Leon Osman said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "The way they have been going, they certainly believe they will [win].

"They look like a team that really have something to play for. The way they are playing and dominating, they have not given up on hopes of the Premier League either."

Read more on City's quest for a domestic Treble

Hear from Linders in full on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City have made the national stadium their second home under Pep Guardiola and two huge banners reading 'Wembley again, ole ole' were unfurled at the Etihad after they secured their return visit.

With top-flight teams including Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds United and West Ham United all still remaining in the competition, a tantalising tie awaits for City later this month.

Having defeated Liverpool home and away in the league this season, City's brilliant display sealed a hat-trick of wins over the Reds for the first time in almost a century as they became the first team to achieve that feat since West Ham 10 seasons ago.

Once City went ahead courtesy of Erling Haaland's spot-kick, there was no looking back and they will take great satisfaction from inflicting a heavy defeat on an opponent that Guardiola has called the "biggest rival" of his career.

Some questions had been asked of the Norway striker after just one goal in his past six games for club and country, but his return to form will no doubt give his manager and team-mates confidence for the run-in.

Haaland seems to enjoy playing at home against Liverpool as he scored for a fourth straight game against them to take his tally to 46 goals overall this season.

Hear more from Haaland on BBC Sounds

Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders, speaking to TNT Sports: "Pep [Guardiola] is really pleased, that is the most important. It's not easy to please him. We played a good game. The first 25 minutes we were too open. Then we started to control the game and created more chances. We deserved [the win]."

On what Guardiola said after the game: "He complimented the guys who played the last weeks and didn't play today. He was really happy because it's special if you go eight times to Wembley in eight years in a row. It's finals now. It's the part of the season where the business has to be done. The boys feel that."

On Erling Haaland's hat-trick: "Wow what a goal. Unbelievable. The header for me was insane. I love when a striker flies and attacks the ball and the fans love that as well."

On returning to Wembley after the Carabao Cup win: "We have to prove it. Probably we will get a difficult opponent again. Wembley is special, I am happy for the fans. These are special days."

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland speaking to TNT Sports after scoring a hat-trick: "Amazing. In the first half we struggled a bit but we kept going after 30 minutes. Amazing, another Wembley trip for us which is important.

"Between 30 minutes and 60 that is on one of our better performances [of the season]."

On his hat-trick: "It's been some time since I have done it for City so it is time I have done it again! It is special so I am super happy."

On his season: "It has been too up and down which has not been good enough. For now it is a long week for us because we are not in the Champions League, which is not good enough, but we have to face Chelsea which is another game."

On his second goal: "I will tell Antoine [Semenyo] to keep putting those crosses in. He is new and it takes a bit of time to settle but his cross was great and [Nico] O'Reilly's cross was outstanding."

On winning the FA Cup: "I have been in an FA Cup final and now we are going to Wembley. This club has to win trophies on the biggest stage."

Did you know?

• Since his Manchester City debut in July 2022, Erling Haaland has scored 12 hat-tricks across all competitions, now the outright most across Europe's big five leagues, moving one clear of Harry Kane (11).

• Manchester City have now won each of their last 18 home matches in the FA Cup, the outright longest home winning run in the history of the competition, surpassing Clapham Rovers' run of 17 successive home victories between December 1873 and February 1881.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

What did you make of Liverpool's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes just one change to their triumphant Carabao Cup final side that beat Arsenal at Wembley last time out.

England centre-back Marc Guehi, who could well have been lining up for the opposition this lunchtime, was cup-tied for that game and comes back in for Nathan Ake.

Neither Ruben Dias nor John Stones are involved, but there is a place on the bench for Mateo Kovacic who has missed most of the season with an ankle injury.

Man City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Doku, Cherki, Haaland.

Subs: Donnarumma, Ake, Foden, Ait-Nouri, Gonzalez, Kovacic, Marmoush, Savinho, Reijnders

Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes three changes to the side beaten by Brighton before the international break.

Mohamed Salah returns to the starting line-up for the first time since announcing he will be leaving the Reds at the end of the season, with Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones also coming in.

Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Jeremie Frimpong make way. British record signing Alexander Isak is not involved as he makes his way back to fitness following a broken leg.

Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones, Salah, Ekitike.

Subs: Woodman, Chiesa, Frimpong, Gakpo, Mac Allister, Morrison, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Robertson

There are three FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, including an all-Premier League clash, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Liverpool (12:45)

• Chelsea v Port Vale (17:15)

• Southampton v Arsenal (20:00)

Kick-off times BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

It seems a section of Liverpool fans are not convinced by Arne Slot and the Reds' poor Premier League form before the international break has put him under more pressure.

Liverpool have taken one point from their past three games and their last performance, in an away defeat at Brighton, was really insipid.

I still think it would be extremely harsh if they end up parting ways after the guy won them the title in his first year in the job but this feels like a huge week or two for Slot, and for Liverpool's whole campaign, with the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris St-Germain to come in France on Wednesday.

Right now, Liverpool are miles off the team they were last season and beating City probably feels more achievable than getting past PSG.

I'm not convinced they will do it though, and if they end up going out of both competitions in the space of 10 days then the Liverpool fans are going to be even more disgruntled.

City are already out of Europe, and it will be hard, but not impossible, for them to win the Premier League from here, but Pep Guardiola has already landed the Carabao Cup and he always takes the FA Cup seriously anyway.

They are looking to extend their own record by reaching the semi-final for the eighth successive season and, if they get to the final, they will be the first team to make it to four in a row.

City could really do with getting Erling Haaland firing again, while this is Liverpool's first game since Mohamed Salah announced he will be leaving at the end of the season.

There are so many different ways to look at this tie, and who might step up to win it for either team, but City are at home and they have also beaten Liverpool twice already this season in the league. I just have a feeling they will take this one as well.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 12:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Despite only lifting the Carabao Cup trophy 12 days ago, Guardiola said: "It feels like a long time ago already. It's nice to win another title but once you finish one title, you start thinking about the next one."

• Manchester City have the chance to reach "an incredible milestone in a prestigious competition", as they bid to become the first time to reach eight consecutive FA Cup semi-finals.

• He added: "Hopefully our fans can come and help us enjoy the title we won the other week and also see us reach another semi-final."

• The club's FA Cup success since his arrival in July 2016 makes him "the most proud". He explained: "These semi-finals and finals define our club in terms of consistency. You can always have a bad afternoon in cup competitions, but when you're fighting for your eighth semi-final in a row, it's because you are really, really, really good."

• He has "zero concerns" around Phil Foden's form, despite having only started him in four of City's past 15 matches. He explained: "He is 25 years old, he has won six Premier Leagues, and his contribution in what we have done is incredible. What's happening is a normal process in a long career."

• On whether there is still a rivalry between the two teams, he said: "There absolutely is. I've said many times that they are our biggest rival. They have been at the top for many years so they are top contenders."

• Manchester City will have to "perform at the same level" as they did against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in order to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

• Mohamed Salah has given him "the most headaches" during his managerial career. He described the Liverpool forward, who is leaving Anfield at the end of this season, as "one of the greatest" and "an incredible human being".

• He has "no opinion" on Rodri's interview with the Spanish media, adding: "I know the intention of the club and I think I know the intention of him." During the international break, the midfielder said he doesn't believe being a former Atletico Madrid player should rule him out of joining Real Madrid in the future.

• When asked about April being a pivotal month for his team, he replied: "We are focusing on this game and then afterwards we have a long time to prepare for next Sunday against Chelsea, which will be one of the last chances we have to still be within a small chance of winning the Premier League."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Man City? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

No more international breaks, we are into the run-in for this season's Premier League and Pep Guardiola is back facing the media.

His Manchester City side face a huge FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime, their first game since triumphing in the Carabao Cup final with a brilliant win over Arsenal.

This period of games is set to define City's season. Although they claimed victory at Wembley, Guardiola's side were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.

Can they make it a domestic cup double this season? Will they be able to overhaul Mikel Arteta's men in the title race? And what of Guardiola's own future?

We'll find out when takes the hot seat later on.