HITS A FULL SET
City Phil their boots to put pressure back on
But the pulse rate came down on the stroke of half-time when Foden made it 2-1 with a freekick that went straight through the Villa wall and left Unai Emery seething.
Brave
Robin Olsen, in for a sick Emi Martinez, denied Bernardo Silva with a brave save, with Ortega producing an even better one at the opposite end to stop Douglas Luiz from making it 2-2. Villa remained a threat on the break – and City needed the cushion of a third goal.
And it came on 61 minutes thanks to some sparkling footwork from Rodri, who took out three Villa defenders before finding Foden, who guided his shot past the helpless Olsen.
Foden then lashed in an unstoppable effort into the top corner to complete his hat-trick in stunning fashion.
No Haaland? No problem.
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF: Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 during last night’s match
Ortega ........................................... 8 Lewis ............................................. 7 Dias ................................................ 7 Akanji ............................................. 7 Gvardiol ........................................ 8 Rodri ............................................. 9 Silva ............................................... 7 Doku ............................................... 7 Foden ............................................ 10 Grealish .......................................... 7 Alvarez ........................................... 8
Nunes 75, (7), Kovacic 75, (7) Gomes 80, Bonn 80
PHIL FODEN
Olsen ............................................... 7 Konsa ............................................. 6 Carlos ............................................ 6 Lenglet .......................................... 6 Digne ............................................. 5 Zaniolo ........................................... 6 Iroegbunam ................................... 6 Luiz ................................................ 6 Rogers ............................................ 7 Diaby ............................................. 6 Duran .............................................. 7
Kellyman (77), Tielemans 63 (6), Bailey 63 (6), Moreno 71 (6)