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Erling Haaland against Luton: Ran
Photo: David Klein / REUTERS
Luton Town's defenders are likely to be plagued by one or two nightmares in the coming years.
Central figure: a 1.94 meter striker from Norway.
Kevin De Bruyne may get a supporting role.
With a spectacular five-pack, Erling Haaland led Manchester City to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
In the 6:2 (3:1) win against Luton, the Norwegian scored the first five goals for the Champions League winner - De Bruyne did the preparatory work four times.
Mateo Kovacic (72nd) ensured the final point, but the injury-related substitution of Jack Grealish (38th) dampened the mood.
He is plagued by groin problems.
Haaland's second five-pack was during his time with the Skyblues: He also managed one in the premier class in a 7-0 win against RB Leipzig; on Tuesday in Luton he scored five times in 58 minutes (3rd, 18th, 40th). ., 55., 58.).
Luton temporarily reduced the score to 2:3 through Jordan Clark (45', 52').
One goal was missing from the best mark
But Haaland delivered the big show.
Team manager Pep Guardiola took the striker off the field in the 77th minute - after all, the record for an FA Cup game was still a long way away.
This is held by the now 77-year-old Scotsman Ted MacDougall, who scored a sensational nine goals in AFC Bournemouth's 11-0 win against Margate FC on November 20, 1971.
At least the best value of a real legend was within reach.
With another goal, Haaland could have drawn level with George Best.
He scored six goals in one game in the FA Cup on February 7, 1970 - but for the other team from Manchester.
United won 8-2 against Northampton.
Perhaps that's why Guardiola left his attacker on the pitch 19 minutes after his fifth goal.
The Norwegian scored 27 goals in 30 appearances for City this season.
This weekend we face our city rivals in the Premier League.
jok/sid