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 2-1 Aston Villa, 53 minutes
Jeremy Doku tests Robin Olsen again, showing off those sweet feet to create a yard past Lucas Digne but not quite producing the requisite power on his low shot. Olsen gathers.
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 51 minutes
A few half-hearted penalty appeals as Rodri topples in the Aston Villa box, but any contact was outside of the area, and minimal. VAR John Brooks has a quick look and agrees with the on-field call.
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 48 minutes
Bashed away! There’s a suspicion of offside in the build-up but the linesman’s flag stays down even after Jeremy Doku’s fierce strike is battered back by Robin Olsen.
An even better save! Phil Foden slips in Bernardo Silva, but the midfielder can’t beat an onrushing Olsen, who spreads himself and keeps it out.
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 47 minutes
Tim Iroegbunam nips in to pinch the pocket of Julian Alvarez to send the visitors forward on a counter-attack, which Moussa Diaby ends with a hurried shot into a Manchester City leg.
HT: Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa
Arsenal look to be taking care of business against Luton, 2-0 to the good with time running down at the Emirates. They’ll end the night top of the Premier League.
HT: Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa
Two delightful team goals seemed to have left us level at the break but that Phil Foden free kick sent Manchester City down the tunnel in front. The hosts have threatened throughout with their intricate attacking play, though Aston Villa will be encouraged by how they’ve caused problems in rare forays forward on the break.
HALF TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 ASTON VILLA
Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 45 + 4 minutes
Unai Emery looks furious. He’d have just wanted his side to hold firm until the interval, but that was a silly foul from Douglas Luiz, and a really loose bit of work from the wall. The Basque manager thuds into his seat with a scowl.
Nearly another! A floated cross is headed goalwards by Julian Alvarez, but Robin Olsen manages to palm over the bar.
GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 Aston Villa (Phil Foden, 45 + 2 minutes)
Curled through the wall!
A horrible moment for the Aston Villa ramparts, breached much too easily! Phil Foden takes over on free kick duties for Manchester City but strikes it low and flat, and an appopriately formed protective quartet would simply send it ricocheting away.
Alas, space opens between Nicolo Zaniolo and Ezri Konsa, and Foden’s strike pierces it. Robin Olsen is helpless in goal.
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