Omanghana
Phil Foden scored three times and supplied an assist as Manchester City swept aside AEK Athens 5–1 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, October 20, securing their second victory of the Champions League league phase.
With Erling Haaland rested on the bench, Foden led City’s attack in a convincing response to their defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead after 12 minutes through Elliot Anderson, who reacted quickest to turn in the rebound after Enzo Fernández’s free-kick struck the crossbar. It was the summer signing’s first goal for the club.
Foden doubled the advantage in the 34th minute, exchanging passes with Rico Lewis before firing into the roof of the net from a narrow angle.
AEK briefly threatened a comeback seven minutes after the interval. Stavros Pilios took advantage of a defensive lapse to score with the visitors’ first effort on target, reducing the deficit to 2–1.
City restored their two-goal cushion within five minutes. Rayan Cherki collected Foden’s pass, turned sharply on the edge of the penalty area and finished to put the hosts firmly back in control.
Foden added his second in the 65th minute with a first-time curling strike into the top corner from 18 yards. He completed his hat-trick 11 minutes later, timing his run to meet Ryan McAidoo’s cross and convert from close range.
The treble was Foden’s fourth for City and capped an influential performance in which he operated both out wide and as a false nine. Lewis also impressed, providing two assists for the England international.
Maresca’s decision to rotate his squad included a European debut for 17-year-old forward Floyd Samba, who started up front while several established players were rested.
Despite the brief setback early in the second half, City’s attacking quality proved decisive as they finished with five goals and a commanding European victory.
Source: Omanghana
