Dominik Szoboszlai accused Liverpool of lacking fighting spirit as they crashed out of the FA Cup in a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.
Manager Arne Slot said it was an “unbelievable disappointment” and was critical of Liverpool’s defending in an 18-minute spell either side of half-time at the Etihad Stadium when they conceded four times, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo getting City’s other goal as they reached an eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final.
And Szoboszlai warned Liverpool’s season could end badly if they don’t show enough hunger again when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The midfielder told TNT Sports: “The fighting spirit wasn't there enough. The mentality wasn't there enough. None of us were there to be honest as much as we could.
"It's a hard time but we have to stick together. On Wednesday there is another chance but we have to get in our head this is not the season we would like to end.”
Follow all the reaction from Manchester City’s win over Liverpool, below
Man City v Liverpool LIVE: Latest FA Cup updates
- FULL TIME! Man City thrash Liverpool to reach FA Cup semi-finals
- Szoboszlai on Liverpool's defeat: 'The fighting spirit wasn't there enough'
- Slot's on Liverpool's collapse: 'We have to defend much better'
- Haaland accepts recent form has been too 'up and down'
- Next up: Liverpool face daunting trip to PSG on Wednesday
Liverpool suffer heaviest defeat under Arne Slot
06:33 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool have now lost 15 matches in all competitions this season - including three against Manchester City. Today’s 4-0 defeat is Arne Slot’s heaviest loss since becoming Liverpool head coach in the summer of 2024.
According to Opta, Liverpool have now suffered their most defeats in a single season since 2014/15, when the Reds lost 18 matches under Brendan Rodgers.
Arne Slot's message to Liverpool fans who left early
04:33 , Jamie Braidwood"We don’t want them to leave early. We have to perform better. We have to show now that we react after a loss like this. After all the disappointments we've had this season the fans have always been supportive and they were even today.
“They were very loud in the first half. It is up to us to react for them and for ourselves. We need to play like we did for the first 35 minutes but in moments of defending we need to be much more ruthless."
'It's special': Pep Lijnders on Pep Guardiola's FA Cup record
02:33 , Jamie BraidwoodPep Guardiola has never lost an FA Cup home tie and the Catalan, serving a touchline ban, will have enjoyed the view from the stand as City booked yet another trip to Wembley two weeks after lifting the Carabao Cup.
“It’s special,” Guardiola’s assistant Pep Lijnders said. “It’s a sign of consistency and quality that the team reaches every year.
“The FA Cup is so, so special, we all know this. But especially for the fans having the chance to travel again and have a nice day with the family, the kids, all the passion around it.
“It’s a special place, Wembley, and you should not take for granted every time a final or semi-final and for sure we don’t do that.”
Arne Slot agrees that Liverpool lacked 'fighting spirit' after half-time
00:33 , Jamie BraidwoodArne Slot called Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City an “unbelievable disappointment”.
“The 20 minutes where we conceded the four goals were not of our standard. If we play against PSG or Man City, teams of this level, you need to defend better than we did in the 20 minutes when we conceded the four goals,” he said.
“Twice we conceded when we had a throw-in. The second goal was a similar one we conceded earlier on this season, over here. And the second time we conceded just before half-time, playing Man City. I missed the fighting spirit definitely in the first 10 minutes after half-time. And then afterwards, it was just a game where both teams accepted it was 4-0.
“But in those 10-15 minutes of time, I missed the fighting spirit, but just the willingness to win your duel, to be there first, to make it difficult for either a pass or a cross or a finish. That is something we definitely have to do better on Wednesday.”
Liverpool have no ‘fighting spirit’ and their season is on the brink of collapse
23:33 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadIt is less than 14 months since Liverpool came to the Etihad Stadium, Arne Slot outwitted one of his coaching heroes with his use of twin false nines, won 2-0 and took a giant stride towards the Premier League title. Pep Guardiola is not seen off quite that easily, however. Slot’s subsequent visits to Manchester City have been crushing.
Such slim chances as Liverpool had of retaining their Premier League crown ended with a 3-0 defeat in November. Their FA Cup run came to an abrupt halt with a 4-0 demolition here. “An unbelievable disappointment,” said Slot.
Liverpool have no ‘fighting spirit’ and their season is on the brink of collapse
Salah misses penalty as Liverpool's day goes from bad to worse
22:33 , Jamie BraidwoodThe City fans were buoyant at 4-0, breaking out into a Poznan celebration and Cherki attempted some flicks in his own box.
The atmosphere was punctured as Nunes felled Ekitike but lifted again as Trafford punched away Salah's spot-kick - a bad day becoming worse for Liverpool.
Haaland completes his hat-trick as Liverpool collapse
21:33 , Jamie BraidwoodA fourth goal came before the hour as Haaland completed his treble by crashing in a shot off the crossbar from an O'Reilly cutback.
Semenyo adds third as Man City rip Liverpool apart
20:33 , Jamie BraidwoodCity upped the tempo further after the break, increasing their lead as Semenyo raced onto another fine pass from Cherki and clipped over Mamardashvili.
Haaland doubles City's lead on stroke of half-time
19:33 , Jamie BraidwoodHaaland doubled his tally for the day in first-half stoppage time after Cherki released Semenyo with a cleverly disguised pass and the Norwegian headed the Ghana international's cross past Mamardashvili.
Erling Haaland opens the scoring from the spot
18:33 , Jamie BraidwoodCity had a penalty appeal rejected after Rayan Cherki went down following a challenge from Milos Kerkez.
Guardiola, watching a replay in the stand as he completed a touchline ban, appeared perplexed but VAR backed the decision.
Michael Oliver did point to the spot, however, when Nico O'Reilly was tripped after turning Virgil van Dijk.
There was little debate and Haaland rammed home from 12 yards for only his second goal in seven outings but his 31st for the campaign.
Arne Slot looks ahead to Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final against PSG
17:33 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool face a daunting test at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and Arne Slot told TNT Sports:
“It’s very big and very important because it's not every season that you play a quarter-final of the Champions League. So we're really looking forward to that playing against a very good side again, like we played today against a very good sides. But we're looking forward to that.
“It’s not the only objective we have. We want to qualify for Champions League next season as well. So there's still for us a lot to play for, although in general we feel that we've had a lot, a lot of setbacks and disappointments, but that's also part of being a football player, part of being a human being.
“It cannot always go positive, and you have to be there and stand up when things are not so positive or negative, and that's what it is about now. And then players that have shown so much quality in the past now have a fantastic chance. To show that against Paris Saint-Germain as well.”
Arne Slot admits: 'The only good thing was we didn't concede more'
16:33 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool head coach Arne Slot, speaking to TNT Sports:
“The 2-0 is not nice just before you go in at half-time because we felt that in the first half, things were quite equal. We went 2-0 down, and that's not really helpful for your mood, especially in the after the season we've had.
“And then going out, hoping to come back into the game, but immediately then get punished with a 3-0 and a 4-0, that's really hard to take and the only good thing about that was that that we didn't concede more
“Because being 4-0 down away at the Etihad, and the way we played in that moment, you fear the worst, although it was already the worst.”
Szoboszlai sends message to Liverpool team-mates after capitulation
16:22 , Richard JollySzoboszlai told TNT Sports: “The fighting spirit wasn't there enough. The mentality wasn't there enough. None of us were there to be honest as much as we could.
"It's a hard time but we have to stick together. On Wednesday there is another chance but we have to get in our head this is not the season we would like to end.
“We had chances and missed them, we conceded an easy penalty. We lose 4-0. We cannot concede as much as we concede. It's hard to find words, to be honest. We wanted this one so much. You lose 4-0 at City and it's not the best."
Dominik Szoboszlai sends clear message to Liverpool team-mates after capitulation
Erling Haaland: 'First half we struggled a bit but we kept going'
16:13 , Jamie BraidwoodErling Haaland, speaking to TNT Sports on Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Liverpool: “Amazing. Honestly, first half we struggled a bit, but then after around 30 minutes we kept going, we kept going.
“Amazing game at home. Another Wembley trip for us. It's amazing and important. It's about trying to do our best because this club, we have to win trophies and we have to perform at the best and biggest stage.”
Joe Hart: 'It was difficult watching Mohamed Salah today'
15:52 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on Mohamed Salah’s performance in his first match since announcing he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
He told TNT Sports: “It was difficult watching him today actually. We're so used to him being such a confident player, and I think that first opportunity that he had [ where Abdukodir Khusanov made a big block] was a real tell-tale in how Mo Salah was going to play today. He struggled and he looked really low on confidence.
“We saw him walk in at half-time, he was devastated, absolutely devastated. But he's a senior player, he's a big player for Liverpool.
“Obviously it'll be difficult, and that last game of the season, whenever he waves goodbye, he'll be emotional.
“But right now he's got to put it all out on the pitch and score goals for his team. They still need him.”
Liverpool suffer heaviest defeat under Arne Slot
15:32 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool have now lost 15 matches in all competitions this season - including three against Manchester City. Today’s 4-0 defeat is Arne Slot’s heaviest loss since becoming Liverpool head coach in the summer of 2024.
According to Opta, Liverpool have now suffered their most defeats in a single season since 2014/15, when the Reds lost 18 matches under Brendan Rodgers.
Arne Slot's on Liverpool's defeat: 'We have to defend so, so, so much better'
15:28 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool head coach Arne Slot, speaking to TNT Sports:
“Very disappointing not only to be out also in the manner but the result, the score. So, another big disappointment for us.
“Things that have been missing for large parts of the season, and converting our chances into goals, that was the thing that was missing in the first half, because I think it was equal game up to the moment they scored the penalty.
“The last time we played here, we conceded just before half-time. Today, again, and that was mentally not easy.
“You try to pick things up at half-time but 5 or 10 minutes later, again, they scored twice.
“What happens afterwards, that doesn't tell me anything. The first 35 minutes I saw a team that I would like to see, but, the 20 minutes afterwards we have to defend so, so, so much better than we were doing today.”
Robbie Fowler: 'I've never seen a Liverpool team so devoid of confidence'
15:18 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool legend Robbie Fowler on Arne Slot’s decision to surrender in the second half and rest his forwards ahead of the trip to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
“Ultimately he needed to do something to try and get back into the game, to try and maybe change the confidence of the team.
“Because I've never seen a Liverpool team so devoid of confidence after starting the game so well. They started the game so well, then all of a sudden, the confidence is just gone.
“Now it's up to the manager to go in there and try and get these players up, give them a little bit of a lift because they've got a massive game on Wednesday.”
What next for Manchester City?
15:04 , Jamie BraidwoodAs Erling Haaland mentioned, there’s no Champions League for Manchester City after their exit at the hands of Real Madrid.
So while Arenal face Sporting in Lisbon on Tuesday, City prepare for a huge game in the title race away to Chelsea on Sunday.
Erling Haaland on his form this season after another Man City hat-trick
14:54 , Jamie BraidwoodErling Halaand has told TNT Sports that his goalscoring form this season has been “too much up and down” and his inconsistency has “not been good enough”.
“It's been some time since I [scored a hat-trick] for City, so I think it's about time that I did that again. Another hat trick is always nice and special, so I'm super happy.
”[My form has been a] bit too much up and down, which is not good enough. Again, I cannot keep on thinking about what I could have done differently or what didn't happen or what happened.
“I have to think about the next game. It's a long long week now because we're not in the Champions League, which is not good enough.
“But again, we won today, and now we have to start focusing on Chelsea because it's a massive game again.”
What next for Liverpool?
14:44 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s Paris Saint-Germain, away, in the Champions League quarter-finals. It could make or break their season. And Arne Slot will have to pick his players up from the floor after a thrashing at the Etihad.
Liverpool won at the Parc des Princes last season. They’re going to have to produce their best performance of the season to get anything now.
'Wembley again, Ole, Ole, Ole'
14:39 , Jamie BraidwoodThat’s the banner display in the Manchester City end as they head to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals. That’s a second trip this season and it will be their eighth in eight years in this competition.
Liverpool’s players trudge off. Virgil van Dijk looks seething. It would have been embarrassing for those Liverpool players in the second half as they gave up all fight. Full reaction to come.
FULL TIME! Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:36 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadAn enjoyable afternoon in the stands for the banned Pep Guardiola, an awful one on the touchline for Arne Slot. Liverpool were thrashed, the game decided in 18 minutes either side of the break.
For City, though, it is a remarkable eighth straight FA Cup semi-final. Guardiola could yet have a cup double this season. Liverpool, unless they somehow win the Champions League, will end up without silverware.
FULL TIME! Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:35 , Jamie BraidwoodThat’s it! Liverpool are spared any injury time.
Man City cruise through.
Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:30 , Jamie Braidwood86 mins: There are lot of empty seats in the Liverpool away end. Many left when Haaland completed his hat-trick before the hour.
Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:28 , Jamie Braidwood85 mins: Manchester City will be first side through to the FA Cup semi-finals, and could be joined by Arsenal and Chelsea later today if they beat Southampton and Port Vale respectively.
It will be City’s eighth FA Cup semi-final in a row under Guardiola, which is already a record.
Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:25 , Richard Jolly, at the Etihad80 mins: A damage limitation exercise for Liverpool now, and not merely in terms of the scoreline. Slot has taken off a player on a yellow card, in Ryan Gravenberch, and two whose fitness often causes him concern, in Joe Gomez and Hugo Ekitike. There is a reserve-team feel to an attack of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha. As City don't have Champions League football this week, Guardiola may have taken mercy on him with some of his substitutions.
MORE CHANGES! Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:21 , Jamie Braidwood76 mins: Two very different ovations. Haaland gets a standing ovation as he is placement by Marmoush, the match-ball secured.
Salah is then jeered by the City fans as he comes off for Federico Chiesa for the final 15 or so minutes.
CHANGES! Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:14 , Jamie Braidwood68 mins: Here come the Liverpool changes as Slot waves the white flag and rests some key players before the PSG quarter-final.
Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch are off for Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister.
Mohamed Salah is spared the ignominy of coming off. But it’s still bad for Arne Slot as “getting sacked in the morning” rings around the Etihad.
SAVED! Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:08 , Jamie BraidwoodA bad day for Liverpool and Salah gets even worse.
Trafford saves Salah’s penalty, which was hit to Traafford’s left.
A good save - not what you would expect from Salah.
PENALTY! Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:07 , Jamie BraidwoodEkitike is clipped by Nunes.
A chance for Salah?
Man City 4-0 Liverpool
14:06 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadAs it stands, this will be Arne Slot's heaviest defeat in charge of Liverpool. Although, he may not, Jurgen Klopp lost both 4-0 and 5-0 to City, even while having a terrific record against Guardiola.
GOAL! Man City 4-0 Liverpool (HAALAND 57')
14:01 , Jamie BraidwoodTHERE’S THE HAT-TRICK!
Liverpool have fallen apart.
But this is another superb goal. Doku plays in O’Reilly, who cuts it back to Haaland. The shot is in off the crossbar.
It’s his first hat-trick of the season and it signal a return to form ahead of the end of the season.
And it could be more.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
14:00 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: Salah’s first-time shot in the box is blasted over. It has not been the fairytale start to his farewell and he will not be finishing his Liverpool career with another trip to Wembley.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
13:58 , Jamie Braidwood53 mins: Semenyo has just tried his luck from the halfway line and wasn’t too far away. It feels like City could put down a statement result this afternoon and it could get ugly for Liverpool ahead of going to Paris on Wednesday.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
13:56 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadAntoine Semenyo was a player Liverpool liked in January. City signed him instead and now the former Bournemouth winger has an assist and a goal today. Liverpool have had too few of either from their wingers this season.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
13:56 , Jamie Braidwood51 mins: CHANCE! Another opening for Salah in the box but Trafford gets down well to save and City clear, with Ekitike lurking.
GOAL! Man City 3-0 Liverpool (SEMENYO 49')
13:53 , Jamie BraidwoodGAME OVER?
A stunning finish from Antoine Semenyo. Slipped through on goal, the forward times his run to perfection and then chips the on-rushing Mamardashvili.
There are glum faces in the Liverpool end.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
13:53 , Jamie Braidwood48 mins: Slot is angry after Gomez is adjudged to have fouled O’Reilly after chasing down a long ball. Man City have responded by keeping the ball.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
13:49 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: Liverpool were out very early before the start of the second half. No changes for either side.
And we’re back underway.
WATCH: Towering header from Haaland doubles lead
13:46 , Jamie BraidwoodWonderful combination between Cherki and Semenyo - and a massive header from Haaland. Excellent forward play.
WATCH: Van Dijk's foul on O'Reilly for Man City penalty
13:42 , Jamie BraidwoodThere won’t be many complaints from a Liverpool perspective.
HALF TIME! Man City 2-0 Liverpool
13:35 , Jamie BraidwoodTalk about timing. Arne Slot tells his players to lift their heads but that’s a massive blow for Liverpool. Manchester City are in full control of this quarter-final thanks to Erling Haaland’s double and are heading back to Wembley.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
13:34 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadErling Haaland's first double since 20 December, against West Ham. He hasn't yet got a hat-trick for City this season (though he has scored both three and five in games for Norway).
GOAL! Man City 2-0 Liverpool (HAALAND 45+2')
13:33 , Jamie BraidwoodRIGHT ON THE STROKE OF HALF-TIME!
Stunning goal. Cherki’s flick releases Semenyo. The cross is perfect. Haaland beats Konate to the ball and heads inside the far post.
Liverpool are stunned. Man City double their lead at the perfect time.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
13:32 , Jamie Braidwood45+1 mins: Ekitike swipes at the ball after losing control on the byline. Liverpool have lost their way since going behind and the front three have been left to feed off scraps since Haaland’s penalty.
Into two minutes of stoppage time.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
13:31 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins: Gomez draws a foul from Doku after a little nudge from the winger as they were challenging for the high ball. Szoboszlai and O’Reilly then clash in a should barge - the Manchester City full-back has had another good half in a big game and did very well in the box to win the penalty.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
13:28 , Jamie Braidwood42 mins: City are hunting the second before half-time. Cherki releases Nunes with a lovely flick but the cross is overhit. City stay on the attack and Liverpool and penned in.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
13:26 , Jamie Braidwood40 mins: A head-scratcher for Slot, whose side had been decent. Van Dijk is frustrated at conceding the penalty. Haaland leads the celebrations and Guardiola must be feeling a lot better now.
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Liverpool (HAALAND PEN 39')
13:25 , Richard Jolly, at the EithadA third game against Liverpool this season for Erling Haaland and he has scored in them all - and though he had a Premier League penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, he has beaten the Georgian from the spot in the FA Cup.
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Liverpool (HAALAND PEN 39')
13:24 , Jamie BraidwoodHaaland sends Mamardashvili the wrong way with a cool penalty! Man City lead.
PENALTY! Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:22 , Jamie Braidwood37 mins: Michael Oliver points to the spot! It was scrappy in the box but Van Dijk has clattered into the back of O’Reilly.
Haaland will take. He’s barely touched the ball this afternoon. A big moment for Mamardashvili.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:20 , Jamie Braidwood35 mins: CHANCE! Stunning from Van Dijk to take down a cross in the box and flick it on - but was it the right move? It looked like he had space to take it down.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:19 , Jamie Braidwood33 mins: Ekitike skips past Rodri as Liverpool break forward and the Man City midfielder is booked for pulling at Ekitike’s shirt.
So a booking a piece: Rodri and Gravenberch.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:17 , Jamie Braidwood31 mins: Mamardashvili is forced to beat away after Semenyo beats Kerkez on the outside and gets the cross into the box. This quarter-final has been played at a good tempo as we await the opening goal.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:15 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: City spring forward and find Doku in space on the left - his cross looks wasteful but it’s turned behind by Szoboszlai.
City play it short - and Van Dijk is forced to clear after it was worked well.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:13 , Jamie Braidwood27 mins: CHANCE! Rodri fails to clear in the Man City box and it breaks to Ekitike, but the forward thrashes over as he takes on the volley first time.
Ooooh. I think Ekitike knows he should do better there.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:11 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad25 mins: It's fair to say Slot is concerned about Jeremy Doku, who was terrific when Liverpool lost here in November and, Slot thinks, even better when they won here last season and he went past Trent Alexander-Arnold 12 times. Ryan Gravenberch has been booked for tugging the Belgian back.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:09 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: Jones intercepts well in midfield before playing forward to Ekitike, but Khusanov recovers well. Then, Doku attempts to lead the breakaway but it hauled back by Gravenberch.
The Dutchman is booked.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:03 , Jamie Braidwood18 mins: PENALTY?! City are demanding one as Kerkez challenges Cherki in the box. The Liverpool defender was clumsy in the box.
Pep Guardiola has his head in his hands watching the replay on TV in the stands! Michael Oliver is unmoved and the VAR does not get involved.
Liverpool got away with one there.
Pep Guardiola is left in disbelief as Man City are denied a penalty 👀
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Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:02 , Jamie Braidwood17 mins: CHANCE! Superb ball from Bernardo to Cherki, but the Frenchman’s touch lets him down big time! Kerkez is able to recover as Mamardashvili closes the angle.
Liverpool almost break well on the counter but Salah is challenged.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:01 , Richard Jolly, at the Etihad16 mins: Maybe not the most auspicious start from Mohamed Salah that his first shot was dragged wide for a throw but he has an excellent scoring record against City, with 13 goals. Today will be his last chance to add to that tally; for Liverpool, anyway.
Replays show that it’s actually a brilliant block from Khusanov.
Abdukodir Khusanov with a brilliant block to deny Mo Salah from close range 👏
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Man City 0-0 Liverpool
13:00 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: Liverpool get caught playing out from defence, with Guehi nipping ahead of Salah as Konate played it forward. It leads to a decent spell for City.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:58 , Jamie Braidwood11 mins: Ekitike looks likely and is playing off the left. There’s a sharp exchange between the Frenchman and Wirtz, but Ekitike then shoots wide.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:57 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins: It’s been a better start from Liverpool in midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister dropped. There are 8,000 Liverpool fans in the away end, more than there would be for a Premier League match, and they are making themselves heard.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:55 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: Liverpool burst forward through Gravenberch and it’s played out to Ekitike on the left. There are too many touches, though, and it breaks down.
Liverpool stop the counter as they surround Doku and Szoboszlai has a strike blocked. Better intensity from Liverpool, here, as they take control of the ball.
That’s until Konate plays it straight out of play.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:53 , Jamie Braidwood7 mins: City win a corner on the right but Mamardashvili, starting ahead of the injured Alisson, collects in his six-yard box.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:51 , Jamie Braidwood4 mins: An opportunity for Liverpool from the set-piece. Szoboszlai clips it in but Konate’s header is easily saved by Trafford.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:50 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: A decent move from Liverpool. Wirtz found space in the box but then was forced back and plays it wide to Ekitike. It’s worked back to Wirtz but the shot is straight at Trafford.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:48 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: Doku shrugs off Gomez as City launch their first attack. The winger then shoots wide after he was afforded space on the edge of the box.
Pep Guardiola is watching the quarter-final alongside his daughter, suspended from the touchline due to a booking against Newcastle in the fourth round.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:47 , Jamie Braidwood1 mins: Liverpool kick the ball out straight from kick-off, just like PSG in the Champions League final last season.
KICK-OFF! Man City 0-0 Liverpool
12:46 , Jamie BraidwoodUnderway at the Etihad! A huge 90 minutes (or perhaps more) at the start of a massive few weeks for both clubs. And what about Mohamed Salah, who begins his Liverpool farewell?
Man City display Carabao Cup trophy before quarter-final
12:44 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadManchester City have walked out past the Carabao Cup. As did Liverpool, who didn't win it. Both of these sides have already been to Wembley this season. One will be back there later this month.
Here we go! Man City v Liverpool coming up next
12:43 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a way to kick off the start of the run-in. The stakes are huge for both Manchester City and Liverpool as they meet in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
City have the taste for silverware as they now chase a domestic treble after securing the Carabao Cup. Liverpool face a pivotal two weeks, with Paris Saint-Germain to come on Wednesday, as they look to salvage their season under Arne Slot.
Kick-off is coming up next
What is HBO Max? TNT Sports given new streaming home in UK
12:41 , Jamie BraidwoodTNT Sports viewers in the United Kingdom will have to get used to a new streaming home for the channels as HBO Max launches in the United Kingdom.
Previously housed on discovery+, all live sport currently shown on TNT Sports has now moved on to HBO’s streaming service, with the UK the last country in Europe in which it launches.
Reminder of Man City v Liverpool team news and how to watch
12:40 , Jamie BraidwoodMan City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly,Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Donnarumma,Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Kovacic, Gonzalez, Ait Nouri, Savio,Foden.
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike
Subs:Woodman, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong,Nyoni, Morrison, Ngumoha.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, the new streaming home for the broadcaster - which has replaced Discovery+.
Subscribers to the channels can login to HBO Max using their existing details.
Arne Slot: 'It's a vital part of the season'
12:35 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool head coach Arne Slot, speaking to TNT Sports.
On whether Salah can get back to his best for his final season at Liverpool: “I would love that to happen. It’s a vital part of the season.
“But it’s not about the individual, the team has to perform so the individual can shine. He worked very hard to get back from injury to be ready for this one.”
On balancing his team selection over the next few days: “We go game by game. It’s a good problem to have, to still be involved in so many competitions at this stage of the season.”
On Alexander Isak: “Today was too early for him. We hope he could be available for Wednesday [against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League].”
'Liverpool players want to win a trophy for Mo Salah', says Curtis Jones
12:29 , Jamie BraidwoodCurtis Jones says the Liverpool squad want to win a trophy for Mohamed Salah before the Egyptian leaves Anfield at the end of the season.
“100 per cent, and Mo would want that as well,” Jones said. “He knows we have got his back in the same way he has always had ours.
“Now we are in the final stages of the season it would be nice to finish on a high. We want to give our best for the fans and the team and especially now for Mo.”
'Man City go strong in must-win FA Cup clash for Liverpool'
12:27 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe start of a huge few days for Arne Slot and Liverpool. The pressure on Manchester City to win today may have been reduced by their Carabao Cup final victory. They already have a trophy this season whereas this is Liverpool's last chance, realistically.
The FA Cup could afford a fond farewell to a few on either side - maybe Pep Guardiola, or Mohamed Salah, now he has confirmed his exit.
Guardiola has picked a very strong side; stronger, arguably, than the one that beat Arsenal at Wembley, with Marc Guehi in for Nathan Ake. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Alexander Isak is not fit enough to return for Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola: 'Liverpool an extraordinary team'
12:22 , Jamie BraidwoodPep Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Man City v Liverpool
On carrying on City’s form from the Carabao Cup final: “We’re ready to go. It always helps [ to win a trophy], to gave a good day. We want to start a new chapter now. We have a chance to reach a semi-final of FA Cup against Liverpool. There’s no need to say anything else.”
On Liverpool: “Always an extraordinary team. The players are there. Top-class manager. The game we played here in the Premier League was very good. The FA Cup will be a tight game, I’m sure of that.”
On James Trafford: “Always since I’ve been a manager I’ve played the No 2 goalkeeper in the cups. James has always performed well when he’s had the opportunity to play.”
On watching from the stands after his latest touchline ban: “I like it. The view is much better.”
Man City v Liverpool prediction: Guardiola's side to advance
12:15 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s interesting to note that Pep Guardiola only makes one change from his Carabao Cup final team, with Marc Guehi unable to start at Wembley because he was cup tied. Clearly, the Manchester City manager believes he’s found a formula - and it’s a very strong side, even with James Trafford starting ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Will it be too much for Liverpool? It’s always very hard to predict how Arne Slot’s side will turn up. Joe Gomez’s battle with Jeremy Doku could be decisive and Curtis Jones has been trusted in midfield ahead of Alexis Mac Allister.
I’m going to go with... Man City 2-1 Liverpool
Man City and Liverpool's FA Cup history
12:10 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool have won their last four FA Cup meetings with Manchester City. Their most recent FA Cup clash came in the semi-finals in 2021-22, with Liverpool winning 3-2 at Wembley after being 3-0 up at half-time.
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Will Erling Haaland return to form against Liverpool?
12:00 , Jamie BraidwoodErling Haaland has scored just five goals in his last 21 appearances for club and country - having scored 38 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions before then since the start of the season.
The striker is looking to rediscover his form from the earlier part of the campaign - but faces something of a favourite opponent in Liverpool: Haaland has scored in three home appearances against the Reds in a row.
Salah starts for Liverpool as Gomez named at right back
11:50 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah is fit to start as he begins his farewell tour in the FA Cup quarter-finals. As expected, Giorgi Mamardashvili is in goal. The two other changes: Joe Gomez starts at right back and Curtis Jones replaces Alexis Mac Allister in midfield. There’s no Alexander Isak in the squad.
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike
Subs:Woodman, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong,Nyoni, Morrison, Ngumoha.
Pep Guardiola names another attacking line-up
11:48 , Jamie BraidwoodLet’s start with Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has named Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki behind Erling Haaland in a very attacking line-up.
James Trafford is in goal and Abdukodir Khusanov partners Marc Guehi in defence. Guehi replacing Nathan Ake is the only change from the Carabao Cup final.
Man City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly,Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Donnarumma,Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Kovacic, Gonzalez, Ait Nouri, Savio,Foden.
Man City v Liverpool confirmed line-ups!
11:46 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Bernardo; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike
Man City v Liverpool team news coming up
11:40 , Jamie BraidwoodFrance team-mates Hugo Ekitike and Rayan Cherki have been out on the pitch having a catch-up, not sure about the half-and-half scarves though. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, has just suggested to TNT Sports that he’s starting today. Full team news and line-ups coming up in five minutes or so.
Man City vs Liverpool: Reminder of early team news
11:25 , Jamie Braidwood- John Stones and Ruben Dias were to be assessed for Man City; James Trafford set to start
- Liverpool without Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong is a doubt; Mohamed Salah is available and Alexander Isak could return
Man City and Pep Guardiola bidding for FA Cup record
11:15 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s perhaps not the most glamorous of records, but Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are bidding to reach their eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final.
City have reached the semi-finals every year since 2019, following a fifth-round defeat to Wigan in February 2018. They have won the FA Cup twice in that run, but have lost two finals, too.
“It’s unbelievable. I don’t know if one team has been to seven semi-finals in a row in this competition, the FA Cup.
“I know (I won) four Carabao Cups in a row, four Premier Leagues in a row. I’m sorry, I’m so proud.
“I don’t need to finish and go to the Maldives, underneath the coconuts, to realise how incredible it is. I’m sorry, it’s incredible.”
Arne Slot on finding Mohamed Salah's successor
11:00 , Richard Jolly“Replacing Mo, one-on-one, is probably impossible. So we have to find a way of making it work that the team is stronger. There is not a lot talked about this but it is 88 minutes that Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz were together on the pitch together. So it would already make our team much stronger if we’ve got Alex, Hugo and Florian together for a bit more than 88 minutes.”
Pep Guardiola's tribute to Mohamed Salah
10:45 , Jamie Braidwood“It is a good moment to say goodbye in this country tomorrow. He deserves incredible, incredible recognition for what he has given to world football and especially in this country.”
Slot accepts villain label as Salah farewell tour begins with FA Cup
10:30 , Richard Jolly, at the EtihadSlot is set to outlast the legendary Egyptian at Anfield, but an FA Cup quarter-final against Man City presents opportunity for redemption for both.
Slot accepts villain label as Salah farewell tour begins with FA Cup
What Arne Slot said
10:15 , Jamie BraidwoodSlot hoped for third time lucky against Man City after losing to them twice in the Premier League this season. He said on Friday: “I think we have felt this season multiple times how important it is to get a lead, we have struggled with that. It's much easier than being 1 or 2-0 up.
“Scoring goals is vital, so I am happy Alex [Isak] is back. We have more fans than normal because it is FA Cup and I wouldn't be surprised if we're louder than them!
“We have proven that we have quality and are a good team. We played much better against Man City at home, we didn't deserve to lose.
“A refereeing decision in that game didn't go in our favour for a red card on Mo Salah.
“Now we have to show the progress in an away game. It is tougher away from home.”
What Pep Guardiola said
10:00 , Jamie BraidwoodGuardiola welcomed another clash with Liverpool, saying: “For many times [they] have been the rival, the biggest, biggest one.
“So this is a team, like you know, making incredible investment last season to be there for many, many years, and is in Champions League, and it's a top contender, top-class players.
“We hopefully can perform like we did at Arsenal to reach the next step.”
He added: “We have the chance to reach an incredible milestone of eight semi-finals in a row, which has never been done.”
Manchester City bidding for third straight win against Liverpool
09:45 , Jamie BraidwoodFebruary’s victory at Anfield meant Manchester City completed the league double over Liverpool for the first time since 1937. They have not won three matches in a row against Liverpool since 1909.
What is the Liverpool team news and latest on Salah?
09:30 , Jamie BraidwoodSlot confirmed on Friday that first-choice keeper Alisson is likely to be sidelined for several weeks with a muscle problem, with Giorgi Mamardashvili to replace him, and Jeremie Frimpong is a doubt due to injury. But Alexander Isak could make his first appearance since breaking his leg in December and Mohamed Salah is fit and available.
Possible line-up: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
What is the Manchester City team news?
09:15 , Jamie BraidwoodMan City will be without the injured Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones and Ruben Dias are set to be assessed before the game. Marc Guehi was ineligible for the Carabao Cup final but is available and expected to start, while James Trafford is expected to be favoured between the sticks ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, as he was in the Carabao Cup final.
Possible line-up: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Cherki
Mohamed Salah set to begin his Liverpool farewell tour - but is he fit?
09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter nine years, 435 appearances and 255 goals, Mohamed Salah will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. The 33-year-old made the announcement during the international break after Liverpool agreed to cancel his two-year contract signed after the Reds were crowned Premier League champions.
Salah was unable to join up with Egypt over the international break - having also missed Liverpool’s trip to Brighton due to a muscle injury picked up in the Champions League victory over Galatasaray - but Liverpool are hopeful that he could be fit to begin his farewell tour at the Etihad. Salah will be determined to finish his final season at Liverpool with a trophy, either in the FA Cup or Champions League.
How to watch blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final
08:46 , Jamie BraidwoodMan City v Liverpool will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, the new streaming home for the broadcaster - which has replaced Discovery+.
Subscribers to the channels can login to HBO Max using their existing details.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
