Man City vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Phil Foden hat-trick continues title chase
City and Villa look to keep the pressure on at the top of the table as they clash at the Etihad Stadium
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Phil Foden’s sublime hat-trick fired Manchester City to victory against Aston Villa to keep up their pursuit of Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Areta’s side went top earlier on Wednesday evening with a win over Luton but the defending champions ensured they remained in touch with a strong 4-1 victory.
While it was a controlled collective performance, they had Foden to thank for a commanding victory. After Jhon Duran had responded to Rodri’s early opener, the England international curled home a free kick to nudge Manchester City in front just before the interval.
Foden then swept home from the edge of the box before producing a magnificent strike from distance to complete his hat-trick and secure all three points. It meant Pep Guardiola could leave Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, with the two stars rested in a hectic fortnight of football.
Unai Emery’s visitors were without an injured Ollie Watkins and suspended John McGinn, and struggled to produce consistent threat. Aston Villa remain fourth, two points ahead of Tottenham, who have a game in hand.
Re-live all the action below, plus get the latest Premier League odds and tips right here:
Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa, 77 minutes
Unai Emery looks to one of his youngsters to launch a dramatic comeback. Omari Kellyman makes his Premier League debut, replacing Nicolo Zaniolo.
Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa, 73 minutes
Here they come - Rodri and Bernardo Silva will get 20 minutes or so of rest.
Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa, 73 minutes
With no need to deploy either Erling Haaland nor Kevin De Bruyne at this juncture, Pep Guardiola instead turns to a pair of midfield workers, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic being prepared for introduction.
GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 4-1 Aston Villa (Phil Foden, 70 minutes)
A magnificent way to complete a hat-trick!
So, so pure. It’s a superb finish from Phil Foden, rifling into the top corner with a hint of away movement from 25 yards to leave Robin Olsen, and Aston Villa, comfortably beaten. Sublime!
Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa, 67 minutes
A heavy touch from Ezri Konsa allows Jack Grealish to pilfer from his purse, the England international connecting with Bernardo Silva. Silva tees up Rodri on the edge of the area, but the Spaniard passes up a shooting opportunity in the hope of cultivating a better one - something he fails to do.
His work for this goal was rather better:
Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa, 65 minutes
A triple change from Aston Villa as they bid to battle back. On come Youri Tielemans, Callum Chambers and Leon Bailey for Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz and Tim Iroegbunam.
GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 3-1 Aston Villa (Phil Foden, 62 minutes)
A second of the night and 20th goal of the season for Phil Foden!
A smart first-time finish but give the credit to Rodri. The Spaniard has been keen to be involved in the final third tonight and rides a challenge to move into advanced territory, showing off some fancy footwork thereafter to create an opening through he can thread a pass. It’s hit at an inviting pace for Foden to strike with his left peg first time and exted his side’s advantage.
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 61 minutes
It would appear that Unai Emery will be first to twist - Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans are being readied.
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 57 minutes
No sign of movement on either bench so far, despite a relatively high tempo. There’s still plenty of energy out there, and this is a busy couple of weeks for both clubs, but might we see a change soon? Erling Haaland, John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne trot out to warm-up to a cheer.
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 55 minutes
Tipped over the bar! A brilliant break from Aston Villa, Douglas Luiz finding Moussa Diaby, whose blind ball back to the Brazilian is neat. Luiz strikes it first time and Stefan Ortega is forced into some acrobatics to deny him an equaliser.
Top stop again! Ortega springs into life once more after Clement Lenglet flicks the corner across goal.
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