FA Cup: Luton vs. Man City 2-6

Manchester City was no exception. The underdogs from Luton put up a valiant fight against the powerhouse that is Man City, showcasing their determination and skill on the pitch.

Despite being outmatched in terms of talent and resources, Luton managed to hold their own against City for much of the game. Their defense was solid, thwarting numerous attacks from their opponents, while their offense showed flashes of brilliance with some well-executed counterattacks.

Haaland is the first player to score five or more goals in an FA Cup match for a top-division club since George Best netted six for Manchester United against Northampton Town in 1970, according to Stats Perform.

Ilkay Gündogan in 2019, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

As half-time approached, however, the Hatters got themselves to within two goals when Jordan Clark hit a sumptuous 25-yard curling effort into the top corner. It was the midfielder’s first of the season and first since scoring in the play-off final at Wembley in May.

Ross Barkley’s superb lifted pass.

However City – and Haaland in particular – wasted no time in restoring their advantage as the striker scored twice in a three-minute spell to make it 5-2.

Krul continued to impress for the Town as the visitors pushed for more but the Dutchman couldn’t stop a sixth with 17 minutes to go when Mateo Kovacic’s drive from the edge of the box flew home and that was that.

The small matter of the Manchester derby is followed by the home leg of their Champions League Last-16 tie with FC Copenhagen prior to a crunch title showdown with Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield.

An FA Cup quarter final and then a home showdown with another title rival, Arsenal complete a month that will go some way to showing how likely City’s hopes of back-to-back ‘Trebles’ really is – and on this evidence it’s hard to bet against them with Haaland and KDB seemingly preparing to hit top form when it really matters most.

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Sarah H 

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