Phil Foden scored a sublime hat-trick as he produced a virtuoso display to help Manchester City return to winning ways in the Champions League group phase in thrashing Greek side AEK Athens.
City needed to show a response after being beaten 4-2 at home by holders Paris St-Germain last week and they reacted in the perfect manner with a dominant performance.
Enzo Maresca’s side had Foden in fine form for the victory, with the England international scoring three times and also providing an assist in a superb, all-round display.
Elliot Anderson reacted quickest to poke home and set City on their way after fellow summer signing Enzo Fernandez clipped a free-kick against the crossbar, while Allan also rattled the woodwork shortly after.
Foden, who scored his first goal since December at the weekend, found the net again to add City’s second, collecting Rico Lewis’ pass before unleashing a thumping finish into the roof of the net.
AEK Athens had failed to threaten in the opening period but hit back seven minutes after the restart as full-back Stavros Pilios drilled in a composed finish with his side’s first shot on target.
But City restored control thereafter – Foden setting up Rayan Cherki to stroke home a trademark finish before the England midfielder struck a glorious first-time strike into the top corner and then completed his treble from close range 11 minutes later.
City will aim to continue their flawless start in the Premier League on Saturday when they travel to Aston Villa for the 12:30 BST kick-off.
BBC
