Phil Foden scored a magnificent hat-trick, delivering a virtuoso performance that helped Manchester City get back to winning ways in the Champions League group phase with a comfortable win over Greek side AEK Athens.
The city needed to respond after suffering a 4-2 home defeat to the holders, Paris St-Germain, last week, and they did so in ideal fashion with a dominant display.
Enzo Maresca’s team benefited from Foden’s excellent form in the victory, as the England international scored three times and also set up a goal in a superb all-round showing.
Elliot Anderson reacted fastest to poke the ball home and set City on their way after fellow summer signing Enzo Fernandez clipped a free-kick against the crossbar, while Allan also struck the woodwork soon afterwards.
Foden, who had scored his first goal since December at the weekend, found the net once more to add City’s second, taking Rico Lewis’ pass before firing a thumping finish into the roof of the net.
AEK Athens had offered little threat in the first period but hit back seven minutes after the restart when full-back Stavros Pilios drilled in a composed finish with his side’s first shot on target.
But City regained control from then on Foden teed up Rayan Cherki to stroke home a trademark finish before the England midfielder struck a glorious first-time effort into the top corner and then completed his treble from close range 11 minutes later.
City will look to maintain their flawless start in the Premier League on Saturday when they travel to Aston Villa for the 12:30 BST kick-off.
