Phil Foden netted an impressive hat trick as Manchester City convincingly defeated Aston Villa 4-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday. Foden’s three goals propelled City to just one point behind league leaders Arsenal, tying them with Liverpool for second place.
Despite the absence of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne from the starting lineup, Foden emerged as the driving force at Etihad Stadium, bringing his tally for the season to 21 goals.
City took the lead through Rodri’s close-range strike in the 11th minute, assisted by Jeremy Doku. However, Villa quickly equalized nine minutes later courtesy of Jhon Duran’s goal from a tight angle.
Before halftime, City had several opportunities to regain the lead, with Julian Alvarez being denied by Villa keeper Robin Olsen, who stepped in for Emiliano Martínez due to illness.
In the first minute of stoppage time in the first half, Foden curled in a low free kick from the edge of the box to put City ahead once again. Despite Villa’s attempts to claw back into the game in the second half, Foden took control.
He scored his second goal with a clinical finish into the bottom corner in the 62nd minute, followed by his third, a powerful strike into the top corner from the edge of the box, seven minutes later.
