A Phil Foden hat-trick has secured three vital points for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Thursday morning (AEDT).
The reigning champions of England and Europe were clinical at home against Aston Villa, running away victors with a 4-1 scoreline and making a statement to the rest of the league that they aren’t done with yet.
Local boy Foden continued his incredible run for form with three much-needed second-half goals after going to the break 1-1 with Villa.
Rodri kicked off the scoring at Etihad Stadium courtesy of a Jeremy Docu assist with Rodri stretching his unbeaten record to 64 appearances in all competitions for the Champions League holders, the longest streak of any player for an England-based club.
With City still alive in the Champions League and the FA Cup, Guardiola was able to rest Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and John Stones with their next fixture coming on Saturday against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Jhon Duran produced a magnificent finish for the travelling side in the 20th-minute mark but it was a night to forget for Unai Emery’s Villa who are now in a huge battle to remain fourth on the table with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham finding form with a game in hand over Villa.
In other results, Arsenal returned to their winning way and the top of the table with a classy 2-0 victory at home against Luton Town.
Captain Martin Odegaard scored early in what was a genuine routine performance over the struggling Luton.
Liverpool still has a game in hand over the Gunners with Jurgen Klopp’s side hosting Sheffield United at Anfield on Friday morning (AEDT).
Brentford and Brighton played out a 0-0 all draw with Brighton dominating for all 90 minutes.