De Bruyne‘s cutback found Haaland for the opener after three minutes, before he played the Norwegian through for his second 15 minutes later and then again, he expertly slipped Haaland through on goal to dink in his hat-trick.
Jordan Clark netted a double to bring the hosts back into the game, but De Bruyne once again broke the lines to race through on goal and square to Haaland to tap into an empty net.
Our no.9 blasted in his fifth before Mateo Kovacic added a spectacular sixth to secure our place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
De Bruyne now has 11 assists this season in just 12 matches, the most in the City squad, and Haaland reserved plenty of praise for the Belgian’s influence after the game.
“Of course, [he has] massive [influence]. Look at what he’s doing!” he said. “He’s doing what he’s best at. It’s a pleasure to play with him.
“It’s quite good [connection]. I think we know what we both want from each other.
“We look at each other often throughout the game. It clicks well. He’s a smart guy and I like to play with smart guys.
“My fitness is getting there and I’m getting back to my best finally. I’m feeling good and it’s an amazing feeling.”
The emphatic victory stretches our unbeaten run across all competitions to 18 matches and keeps us in contention for more silverware.
The striker was impressed with the entire team’s display at Kenilworth Road and has insisted the best is yet to come.
“I think we made a plan and everyone stuck to it perfectly. We did well and kept the ball.
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“That’s what we need to do against these teams. So well played by everyone.
“Yeah, it’s coming [peak]. We’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”
