In-form Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland scored his second hat-trick in five days as the citizens cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals by pummelling Championship leaders Burnley at Etihad Stadium.
Haaland added three more goals to his five he scored against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, bringing his season total to 42.
The Norwegian is now just two goals away from tying the record for the most goals scored in a season by an English top-flight team in all competitions during the Premier League era, which is shared by Mohamed Salah and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
On a depressing night for former City captain Vincent Kompany, whose Burnley team has raced 13 points clear at the top of the Championship, Julian Alvarez added two goals and replacement Cole Palmer also scored.
Burnley did well in the first half but could not match Haaland’s staggering efficiency in front of goal.
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City opened up in the second period though, underlining the chasm in class between England’s top two divisions.
Africa Today News, New York reports that tt will be City’s sixth semi-final appearance in seven seasons under Pep Guardiola, and on this form few will argue against them lifting the trophy for only the second time in that period as they retain hopes of completing a Treble-winning campaign.
The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals takes place on Sunday following Brighton’s tie against Grimsby Town (14:15 GMT), live on BBC One.
Haaland now has an incredible six hat-tricks in his debut season in English football – already half as many as brilliant Argentine Sergio Aguero managed in his whole City career.
Considering City would play another 18 games if they reach both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, it is not beyond the realms of possibility Haaland will finish the campaign with about 60 goals, which has never come close to being achieved in modern times.