Phil Foden scored an incredible hat-trick in a convincing victory over Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium to maintain pressure on Arsenal and Liverpool, who are also contenders for the Premier League title.
Following Sunday’s boring draw with Arsenal, manager Pep Guardiola benched Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland. Even though Villa lost goalie Emiliano Martinez to illness just before the game, the defending champions were still too formidable for them.
Foden scored the most goals in the league while they were away, with 21. Eleven minutes in, Rodri headed in Jeremy Doku’s cross at the near post to score City’s first goal.
Villa looked dangerous on the break, and nine minutes in, Morgan Rogers made a nice pass that allowed Jhon Duran to score a low goal. The game was tied as a result.
It was then Foden’s turn. He scored a low free kick from 20 yards out just before halftime to put City ahead once more. Conversely, Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo fulfilled his obligation by turning his back on the wall.
In the 62nd minute, Foden scored a low shot past Villa’s backup goalie, Robin Olsen, after Rodri did some excellent work to make it 2-0 to City. Soon after, he struck the upper corner of the goal with a superb shot from the edge of the area to score his third goal.
In extra time of the second half, Sergio Gomez nearly put City ahead with a side-footed strike on Josko Gvardiol’s cut-back.
Following their victory, City and Liverpool are now tied for first place in terms of points. Liverpool, who hosts Sheffield United on Thursday night at Anfield, is currently one point ahead of City. They are now leading the league after defeating Luton Town.
Since everyone was watching Phil Foden, it was obvious why he was taken off the field: he had the most goals, and it was best for him to rest and not get injured.
