Manchester City defeated Aston Villa 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium behind a spectacular hat-trick from Phil Foden, who helped the team maintain pressure on their title rivals.
The Premier League champions’ Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were benched, but it didn’t stop them. Rodri gave Villa the early lead, and even though Jhon Duran pulled one back, it was Foden’s day to shine as he stole the show.
With his second hat-trick of the season, a free kick late in the first half, a gliding finish shortly after the hour, and a rocket strike from the edge of the box, it was superb as he went passed 20 goals for the season. Pep Guardiola has no issues when there is no Haaland.
Arsenal’s victory over Luton did not propel City to the top of the Premier League standings, but it did bring them level on points with Liverpool, who is currently in second place. After one more game, Villa is still in fourth place, two points ahead of Tottenham.
Speaking to TNT Sports afterwards, Foden said: “I’m just loving my football at the moment. I’m just playing with a smile on my face and trying to help the team because I know I’m capable of scoring goals. I did that so I’m delighted.”
He added: “I just set myself [the target] of better than last season. Just get more goals, more contributions. I’m up this year so I’m doing well.
“I seem to have some really technical play in the pockets and out wide, I can do that job but I prefer it in the middle. This year, I’m growing into the game. The manager spoke on showing rhythm and slowing the game down. I’ve added that to my game.
“He said before, ‘you’ll grow into that position’. Because before, I was going so quick, attacking every action. Now I’m getting the balance just right.
“I’m always trying to arrive in the box, that’s where the goals are at. You get at least five a season by arriving into the box late. So I’ve been working on all aspects of my game in the midfield. Still a lot of improve on, but I’m enjoying that position.”
Speaking in his press conference afterwards, Guardiola said: “What can I say when he scored three goals? I think he did not start well but the goal helped him a lot with the mood. Everyone has their own talents and Phil has assists and goals in that position.”
Asked about his potential, he added: “He can do whatever he wants. I think he is a really top-class player. We know it.
“He has to be focused, sometimes he is a bit distracted. But he has a natural talent a gift, a gift that is special. And, after, an incredible sense of goal. You have the feeling he is going to score. It is not easy to find it. That is why he is so special.”
Man City will return to Premier League action on Saturday when they visit Crystal Palace.
On Saturday, Aston Villa will play Brentford in the Premier League.
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