Manchester City kept pace with their Premier League title rivals on Wednesday evening with a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa courtesy of a Phil Foden hat-trick.
In an exciting first half at the Etihad, both teams showed off their offensive prowess. Jhon Duran had cancelled out Rodri’s early opener, but Foden put Man City ahead at the half.
Following the break, Foden scored three outstanding goals to seal the victory. With the champions now tied with Liverpool on points, they will take on Sheffield United on Thursday night.
Here’s how we rated at the Etihad on Wednesday night
Stefan Ortega – 7/10
Matched the majority of what came his way, although he couldn’t prevent Duran’s first half effort.
RB: Rico Lewis – 6/10
A quiet game from the youngster, who wasn’t overly involved in either half for Man City.
CB: Manuel Akanji – 7/10
Stepped into midfield to create the overload and won a number of his duels with the physical Duran.
CB: Ruben Dias – 7/10
Beaten too easily on the one-two that led to Villa’s opener but grew into the game and put in a solid performance.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – 6/10
Endured a difficult evening up against Moussa Diaby but settled after the break.
DM: Rodri – 9/10
Produced a smart run and finish to fire Man City ahead and set up Foden’s second of the night with a clever pass. Another terrific display, as expected.
RM: Jeremy Doku – 8/10
Another lovely display from the Belgian who took every opportunity to run at his markers. Created the opener with a precise cross.
CM: Phil Foden – 10/10
Another magical display from Foden, for whom we are running out of superlatives. Three excellent strikes in an effortless and dazzling performance.
CM: Bernardo Silva – 6/10
Not his busiest evening and was outshone by some of his midfield teammates.
LM: Jack Grealish – 6/10
Met with a chorus of boos from the away fans following every touch, but didn’t do much to silence them despite some lively moments.
ST:Julian Alvarez – 7/10
The Argentine was heavily involved in the final third and linked up well with Foden and others. Spurned a few good openings.
Substitutes
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Nearly curled in a fine strike.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Only had to hold the fort for the final 15 minutes.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
A bright cameo from the 80th minute.
Sergio Gomez (N/A):
Missed a real sitter and his embarrassed face said it all.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Showed his character by dropping Haaland against a top-four opponent as well as De Bruyne, and his side played with more fluidity and freedom than with them.