Erling Haaland called Kevin De Bruyne a “smart guy” after the Manchester City forward scored four of his five goals against Luton Town on Tuesday in the FA Cup fifth round. With the incredible performance of the Norwegian, City advanced to the quarterfinals and took a step closer to defending their title. They won 6-2. “We’re coming,” Haaland tipped his competitors for City.
Erling Haaland, the five-goal FA Cup hero for Manchester City, complimented Kevin De Bruyne, the “smart guy,” following a night in which they teamed to deadly effect against Luton Town.
By halftime, Haaland had already scored three goals, all of which he had assisted from De Bruyne. In the second half, the two again combined for Haaland’s fourth goal.
The City striker added an incredible fifth goal, and Jordan Clark’s double did little to arouse thoughts of an upset for the home crowd as the team won 6-2. Mateo Kovacic’s goal completed the victory.
After a night in which their on-pitch chemistry caused havoc for the opponents, Haaland was questioned about his accomplice, De Bruyne.
Haaland told ITV, “He’s doing what he does best, and it’s a pleasure playing with him.”
“We are both aware of what the other wants from us. Throughout the game, we exchange glances a lot, and it works great. I enjoy playing with smart individuals, and he’s a smart guy.
After a night in which their on-pitch chemistry caused havoc for the opponents, Haaland was questioned about his accomplice, De Bruyne.
Haaland told ITV, “He’s doing what he does best, and it’s a pleasure playing with him.”
“We are both aware of what the other wants from us. Throughout the game, we exchange glances a lot, and it works great. I enjoy playing with smart individuals, and he’s a smart guy.
City is now one point behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table and has advanced to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and the final 16 of the Champions League.Since returning at the end of January after a nearly two-month absence, Haaland has scored eight goals, while De Bruyne has also been playing well since making his comeback at the beginning of the year.
Manager Pep Guardiola was ecstatic to see his two best players combining for such devastating results again.
“What am I supposed to sаy? Very, very well done. Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were a fantastic match. Erling is on fire. We are in the quarterfinals after a really fantastic game, according to Guardiola.
“Players like Erling are needed by Kevin, and Kevin needs Erling. Without the other me𝚗, we wouldn’t be here. Lots great praise for everybody involved.
“We played well in the second half against Chelsea, but we were unable to win despite winning our previous two games 1-0. A single game at a time. An absolutely lovely competition is the FA Cup. We need one more game to return to Wembley.”
Sunday’s Manchester derby between Manchester United and City will take place at the Etihad Stadium.
Following that, they will defend a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Denmark when they play Copenhagen in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 match, which will air live on TNT Sports and discovery+.