The FA Cup quarter-finals got off to a flying start. Manchester City ran riot against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed the Reds without mercy. A hat-trick from Haaland sealed a match in which nothing went right for Liverpool. In the dying moments of the game, Mohamed Salah missed a penalty that would have given Arne Slot’s side a consolation goal.

In the afternoon match, it was a one-sided affair. Chelsea gave Port Vale, the only League One side still in the quarter-finals, no chance. The significant difference in class and quality between the two clubs was compounded by the fact that the tie was played at Stamford Bridge. The ‘Blues’ put their place in the semi-finals on track with three goals in the first half. The second half was a mere formality.

Where the surprise did come was in the match that rounded off Saturday’s fixtures. Southampton, who are fighting for a place in the promotion play-offs to the Premier League, surprised an Arsenal side that rested many of their regulars with the Champions League in mind. Mikel Arteta paid dearly for his decision to rotate. The home side, backed by their fans, were the better team and deserved to reach the semi-finals at Wembley.

FA Cup quarter-final results

• Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool
• Chelsea 7-0 Port Vale
• Southampton 2-1 Arsenal
• West Ham 2-2 Leeds United (2-4 on penalties)

Semi-final draw

The quarter-finals concluded on Sunday at the London Stadium. Just as Leeds United looked set to win, West Ham sent the match into extra time with two goals in stoppage time. The score remained unchanged in the following 30 minutes, so the winner of the tie was decided from the penalty spot. The visitors were more clinical and secured the final place in the semi-finals.

And as soon as the match ended, the two semi-finals were drawn, to be played at Wembley on Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April. It is not yet known on which day each match will be played, but the draw paired Chelsea with Leeds United and Manchester City with Southampton, the only surviving team not currently in the Premier League.

Chelsea and Manchester City are clear favourites. Furthermore, both need to win the title for their season to be considered a success. However, with just one match to play and on a stage like Wembley, the magic of football means the playing field is levelled and every team has a chance. Leeds United and Southampton have earned the right to dream of the final on 16 May.

FA Cup semi-finals

• Chelsea - Leeds United
• Manchester City - Southampton