Liverpool weren’t just eliminated from the FA Cup they were systematically dismantled as Manchester City cruised to a devastating 4-0 quarter-final victory at the Etihad.
The gulf between the two sides was laid bare within an hour as Erling Haaland terrorized a shell-shocked Reds defence, netting a ruthless hat-trick to take his season tally to 34.
City’s dominance was punctuated by a clinical strike from Antoine Semenyo, leaving Arne Slot’s side with no answers and their silverware hopes in tatters.
The nature of the collapse has already sparked intense debate among the Anfield faithful, with former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant taking to X to question the direction of the club.
Pennant didn’t hold back, asking his followers exactly when the time for “change” must be considered after such a humbling performance on the big stage.
He said, “When is enough enough. At what point does big decisions need to be had? How can you watch that, and go next season, yeah we are going to be better.”
Liverpool have now lost 15 games this season, and the pressure is certainly heating up on Arne Slot.
Damning display at the Etihad
Slot’s side looked to bounce back after losing against Brighton before the international break, and while the Cityzens are a tough test, it would be a great way to do it.
The Merseyside club only had the Champions League and the FA Cup remaining as their only chances of silverware this season, but that is now down to one.
A clumsy challenge from Virgil Van Dijk awarded City a penalty, which Haaland converted, and he added a second moments later as he breezed past Ibrahima Konate.
From large portions of the first half, the Reds had looked the better team, but once they went behind, they capitulated, a common trend this campaign.
They switched off at the back once again as Semenyo scored and Haaland quickly bagged his hat trick.
As Pennant commented, it doesn’t matter who they are playing, Liverpool should not be 4-0 down after an hour to any team in Europe.
The players looked expressionless as they accepted their fate, and even the fans had had enough of the game, as countless supporters made their way for the exit on the depressing afternoon.
Liverpool’s decisions to be made
There is no question needed now. Slot’s job on Merseyside is now under the microscope, with his side’s performances continuing to diminish.
Today, it seems plenty of the travelling support were happy to see the back of him, with them singing Xabi Alonso’s song on the way out of the ground.
They are constantly outrun, outfought and outplayed by Guardiola’s side, and while they have already picked up the Carabao Cup, and are still in contention for two more, many of their supporters will agree they haven’t had the greatest season.
The games against PSV and Nottingham Forest were a danger to the Reds, but there was a belief that the page could be turned. That no longer seems the case as a sombre mood is covering the club.
Whether you believe it’s the players who haven’t stepped up for the manager, he has seriously let himself down this season, and the signs of improvement on the pitch aren’t there to be witnessed.
Pennant agrees, and his idea of making a change will be on the mind of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards during this period, where results are not a need, but a must.
