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Haaland Scores Four as Man City Crush Burnley 6-0

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 5:43 GMT by BBC
      Locales: Greater Manchester, Merseyside, London, UNITED KINGDOM

Manchester, England - February 4th, 2026 - Erling Haaland delivered a masterclass in finishing today, netting four goals as Manchester City dismantled Burnley 6-0 in their FA Cup fourth-round clash. The dominant victory at the Etihad Stadium not only propels City further into contention for a historic treble but also underscores Haaland's continuing evolution as one of the world's most fearsome strikers. While Burnley offered flashes of resilience, the sheer firepower of Pep Guardiola's side proved insurmountable.

The game, played under crisp February skies, quickly established City's intent. Haaland's opening goal in the 17th minute, a clinical finish of a Rico Lewis cross, set the tone for a one-sided affair. It wasn't merely the goal itself, but the way it was scored - a testament to Haaland's instinctive movement and predatory positioning within the box. This ability to consistently find space and convert opportunities is what separates him from many of his peers.

Before halftime, Haaland doubled City's lead with another close-range finish, capitalising on a rebound following a strong save from Burnley's Arijanet Muric. Muric, despite conceding six goals, enjoyed a relatively busy afternoon, making several key saves that prevented the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided. This performance likely bolstered his confidence despite the defeat, showcasing his potential as a capable goalkeeper.

The second half saw City surge further ahead. Chris Popov, a rising star in the City academy, showcased his talent with a well-taken goal shortly after the restart, converting a pinpoint cross from Jack Grealish. Grealish, returning to form after a minor injury, looked sharp and creative throughout the match, providing vital width and attacking threat.

However, the spotlight remained firmly fixed on Haaland. His third goal, a beautifully executed turn and finish in the 65th minute, demonstrated not just his finishing prowess but also his improving technical skills. Just three minutes later, he completed his quadruple with a decisive strike that sealed Burnley's fate. This remarkable feat places him among the elite goalscorers in FA Cup history, continuing a trend that's seen him break records consistently since arriving in Manchester.

Kevin De Bruyne added a sixth in the 84th minute with a deflected shot, rounding off a comprehensive victory. De Bruyne's contribution, while seemingly minor in comparison to Haaland's haul, is nonetheless crucial. His vision, passing range, and ability to unlock defenses remain integral to City's attacking fluidity.

Looking Ahead: A Fifth-Round Clash with Luton Town

The win secures Manchester City's passage to the FA Cup fifth round, where they will face Luton Town. While on paper, this seems like a straightforward tie, Luton have proven to be a resilient and well-organized team this season. Their recent impressive form in the Premier League, built on a strong team spirit and tactical discipline, means City cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

Luton's manager, Rob Edwards, has instilled a work ethic and tactical flexibility into his team that has surprised many observers. They've demonstrated an ability to frustrate even the most potent attacking forces, and City will need to be at their absolute best to break down their defense. Furthermore, the FA Cup is notoriously unpredictable, and upsets are common, meaning City must approach the match with focus and respect.

Pep Guardiola will likely rotate his squad for the Luton game, giving opportunities to players who haven't had as much game time recently. This is a common strategy for City, allowing them to manage player fatigue and maintain squad depth. However, with Haaland in such prolific form, it is unlikely Guardiola will leave him on the bench for long.

The FA Cup represents a significant opportunity for Manchester City to add another trophy to their already impressive collection. With Haaland leading the charge, and a squad brimming with talent, they are certainly among the favorites. However, Luton Town will provide a stern test, and the fifth-round tie promises to be a captivating encounter.