MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS: MANCHESTER CITY 6-0 BURNLEY

Image courtesy of The Independent

Manchester City put in a performance of the highest quality as they blew former captain Vincent Kompany's side away to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, with star man Erling Haaland bagging yet another hattrick to take his tally this season past the 40 goal mark.

The Norwegian scored his first goal just after the half hour mark, as he pounced on a Julian Alvarez through ball to poke the ball beyond Burnley keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Up to this point, the game had been fairly even, with Burnley's high press causing discomfort to City's backline and causing a growing level of tension from the home support at the Etihad Stadium.

It wasn't long after that Haaland scored again, tapping home in the six yard box after fine build up play down the left hand side from Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden. Just after the break, Haaland slammed the rebound into the back of the net after Foden's low drilled effort struck the post, to make it Haaland's sixth hattrick of the season, all of which have come at the Etihad Stadium. This provides the perfect excuse to insert the remarkable stat that Haaland now has more hattricks (6) at the Etihad Stadium than games played without a goal at the Etihad Stadium (5.)

City's 4th goal was a thing of pure beauty, as Foden, Riyad Mahrez and KDB combined to give Alvarez a simple tap in at the back post.

Whilst they certainly didn't give up, and they could teach a certain other team how to handle being beaten heavily, it could be argued that Burnley's open, attacking style played right into Manchester City's hands, and this could be a welcome reality check for the Clarets as they look set for promotion, as to how and where they can improve.

As Burnley opened up pushing for the consolation goal that Kompany's positive tactics set them up to go for, it invited the Blues to push for further goals.

Substitute Cole Palmer tapped home after the keeper parried out Foden's deflected cross, for his first goal of the season. Alvarez then rounded the game off by chasing down De Bruyne's sublime through ball, sitting down Burnley defender Ameen Al-Dakhil and slamming the ball into the roof of the net.

Here are the player ratings for the Blues' emphatic quarter final victory!

Ortega-Moreno - 7/10 - Didn't have a whole lot to do, in the second half particularly. Made a fine stop from Tella at 0-0, and sprayed a few excellent long passes out to City's wide players.

Walker - 8/10 - Had a good game, both defensively and supporting the attack. As "the third centre back" he offered more support going forwards than usual, and should really have got an assist for Riyad Mahrez, had the Algerian not blasted his shot straight a Peacock-Farrell.

Dias - 8/10 - The Portuguese international has been absolutely imperious since his return from injury after the World Cup, once again showing levels of form that matched that of the 2020/21 season. Dias was aggressive, slick and alert to the danger, showing off qualities that were perhaps reminiscent of a certain former City centre back...

Laporte - 6.5/10 - Again, like Ortega-Moreno, Laporte didn't have a whole lot to do. He looked secure enough in possession, however, and you certainly couldn't tell that he is currently unhappy at City by his performance today.

Lewis - 6.5/10 - The young Englishman looked very tenacious and tigerish when dropping next to Rodri in central midfield. However, I believe Lewis looks much more comfortable at right back, where he can receive the ball and play more naturally on his stronger right foot.

Rodri - 7.5/10 - Yet another strong, controlling performance in midfield from Rodri. He always seemed to be in the right position to win a knockdown from either side, and there was also space for him to run in behind in between the left back and left sided central defender on numerous occasions.

De Bruyne - 9/10 - The brilliant Belgian just seems to be hitting form at the right time of the season. He looked tidy in possession whilst still playing his traditional "Hollywood passes" in behind, one of which led to the sixth goal. Lets all hope his last minute substitution wasn't due to a serious injury.

Mahrez - 6.5/10 - Was undeniably the quietest of the forward players, however, the Algerian certainly didn't have a poor game. He was involved heavily in City's 4th goal, and his first touch was silky and smooth to watch as always.

Alvarez - 9.5/10 - What a performance by the young Argentine! He didn't have a great first 30 minutes, but then again, neither did any City play in particular. His directness and dynamism was clear for all to see, as he finished the game with two goals and one assist, with each of these contributions fantastic in their own individual way

Haaland - 9.5/10 - He'd have got a 10/10 had he not been subbed off in the 63rd minute! The big Norwegian scored another sensational hattrick for the blues, and whilst many will make the argument about tap ins, if they're so easy, then why is Haaland smashing numerous records every game? The best striker in world football at the moment, that's a fact.

Foden - 8/10 - After an under par performance against Crytsal Palace, and playing a limited role against RB Leipzig, Foden looked back to his best for Manchester City today. Whilst Jack Grealish has had a fantastic second half of the season for Manchester City, and provides so much to the side, it's undeniable that when Foden plays on the left, he provides an extra amount of directness and energy, as well as the fact he is a natural left footer.

Substitutes:

Palmer - 6.5/10 - Was reasonably quiet after he came on, and he gave the ball away a few times. However, he pounced well to score his first goal of the season.

Akanji - 6.5/10 - Looked solid, composed and strong in possession after he came on for Dias. A good outing for the Swiss international.

Gomez - 7/10 - Played well at left back, he made an excellent recovery run to stop Burnley scoring by getting across to intercept a low ball in from the left hand side.

Phillips - 7/10 - A much more promising performance from Phillips, one that suggests he may well have a long term future at City. Almost scored a goal making that same defensive midfield run that Rodri made a few times.

Grealish - Not enough time to rank