Guardiola change, Haaland's incredible gesture and Rodri point made - Man City moments missed

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Pep Guardiola watched the game from a box at the Etihad and saw his side thump Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals to book another Wembley date

Manchester City cruised into the semi-finals of the FA Cup after swatting aside Liverpool in a thumping 4-0 victory.

Erling Haaland hit a hat-trick while Antoine Semenyo was also on target as the Blues piled the pressure on Liverpool boss Arne Slot. City now march into the last four and a Wembley date later his month while Pep Guardiola's side will resume their Premier League campaign at Chelsea next week full of confidence after backing up their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal with a fine showing at the Etihad on Saturday.

Here's a few things you might have missed from the stunning success over Liverpool.

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Guardiola's day with a difference

Pep Guardiola has had more yellow cards this season than some teams have had wins. The City boss was booked for the seventh time when he effusively celebrated Nico O’Reilly’s second goal in the Carabao Cup final.

The previous six had earned him a two game touchline ban, the second of which was served against Liverpool on Saturday. It meant Guardiola was watching the FA Cup action from the top of the stand alongside his daughter.

City’s performance made it more family day out than day at the office. Guardiola could scarcely believe that City weren’t awarded a penalty for a challenge on Rayan Cherki in the opening period, turning to watch on a screen in a box behind him before gesturing with his hands that it was a clear spot kick.

But after that, it was a relaxing afternoon for the City chief. When Erling Haaland converted the opener, Guardiola departed into the box, pleased with the breakthrough.

He had a handful of calls with the City bench, a staff member in front of Guardiola in charge of manning the phone, and towards the end the manager simply reclined into his seat and savoured the afternoon. His touchline absence certainly didn’t hamper City’s performance.

Haaland's gesture

Erling Haaland was imperious on the pitch against Liverpool and generous off it. The City striker fired a hat-trick - his first for the Blues since August 2024 - to lead them to a thumping 4-0 win and another trip to Wembley.

And the Norwegian was watched on by a contingent of supporters from Haaland's box and Tunnel Club table. The striker donated the seats to City in the Community and has raised several thousand pounds for the charity during his time with the club, giving fans from the UK and his hometown of Bryne the chance to watch the Blues in swanky surroundings.

Rodri reaction

The City midfielder gave an ill-advised interview during the international break in which he spoke pretty glowingly about the prospect of moving to Real Madrid. The midfielder is under contract at the Etihad until 2027 and the quotes fuelled speculation that he could depart for Spain on a free transfer next year, or potentially even sooner.

Guardiola expects the midfielder to stay and Rodri tried to clarify his comments by suggesting they were only part of a lengthy conversation but that will have done little to dissuade City supporters from feeling like he had spoken out of turn.

Blues fans love the midfielder and City want him to sign a new deal. Matchgoing supporters made their feelings clear on Saturday when he departed on the hour with the Blues in charge against Liverpool. He went off to a huge road from the Etihad crowd with more than a few on their feet.