Erling Haaland has warned Manchester City’s rivals that he and his team are coming for them after he scored five times in a 6–2 FA Cup fifth‑round win at Luton.
Haaland linked to devastating effect with Kevin De Bruyne, who provided the assists for his first four goals, and said that he was back in the groove after a near two-month injury layoff from early December.
“I am getting back to my best,” Haaland said. “Finally I am feeling good. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming, we’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.
“We made a plan here and everyone stuck to it perfectly. Kevin De Bruyne is massive. He is doing what he is best at. It’s a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other and it clicks well. He is a smart player.”
Pep Guardiola was asked whether he ever felt sorry for opposing defenders; it was that kind of night, Haaland virtually unplayable. “No, absolutely not,” the City manager replied. “I think the Luton central defenders defended really well but it’s not easy for them with the space behind.
“All I’m concerned about – well, not concerned – I was thinking that Erling had been two months when he didn’t play. He could not walk, he could not make anything and so when you lose two months and that rhythm for how tall he is … it’s not easy to get back. But every game he is getting better. And Kevin, as well.
“No performance is perfect. Luton had the courage to play. Here in this stadium I know the results they have got. But my players read the game perfectly.
“The connection between Kevin and Erling was great. Erling needs a guy with the vision, the quality, the generosity … Kevin is the less selfish player in front of the goal and Kevin needs the movement from Erling.”
