Analysis: Haaland takes the plaudits
Manchester City have made the national stadium their second home under Pep Guardiola and two huge banners reading 'Wembley again, ole ole' were unfurled at the Etihad after they secured their return visit. With top-flight teams including Arsenal , Chelsea , Leeds United and West Ham United all still remaining in the competition, a tantalising tie awaits for City later this month. Having defeated Liverpool home and away in the league this season, City's brilliant display sealed a hat-trick of wins over the Reds for the first time in almost a century as they became the first team to achieve that feat since West Ham 10 seasons ago.
Once City went ahead courtesy of Erling Haaland's spot-kick, there was no looking back and they will take great satisfaction from inflicting a heavy defeat on an opponent that Guardiola has called the "biggest rival" of his career. Some questions had been asked of the Norway striker after just one goal in his past six games for club and country, but his return to form will no doubt give his manager and team-mates confidence for the run-in. Haaland seems to enjoy playing at home against Liverpool as he scored for a fourth straight game against them to take his tally to 46 goals overall this season.