Manchester City defeats Aston Villa 4-1: Foden returns the champions to the victory column
Manchester City defeated Aston Villa thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Phil Foden, maintaining their hopes of winning the Premier League title alongside Arsenal and Liverpool.
With a victory over Luton on Wednesday night, Michael Arteta’s squad took the lead, but the defending champions made sure they didn’t lose by winning handily, 4-1.
It was a well-managed team effort, but Foden’s outstanding hat-trick deserved recognition. Just before halftime, the England international scored with a free kick to put Manchester City ahead after John Dyuran had answered Rodri’s early opening.
Then, to complete his hat-trick and earn all three points, Foden tucked the ball in from the outside of the box and then struck a beautiful long-range goal. As a result, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne could be rested on the bench by Pep Guardiola, giving both players a break during their hectic football schedules.
Absent attendees For Aston Villa, Oli Watkins and the suspended John McGinn were a constant menace. With a game remaining, Aston Villa is two points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place.
The brilliant hat-trick Phil Foden scored against Aston Villa has reignited Manchester City’s title campaign.
Erling Haaland’s personal domain was once a hat-trick, but a competitor is starting to emerge. While the Norwegian may hold the record for most goals scored in Manchester City games, Phil Foden proved his mettle by scoring his second and third goals in 2024 and his third in 19 months. Foden is aiming to outperform practically everyone, save for his Norwegian teammate, for someone who isn’t an obvious striker, and eliminating Aston Villa propelled him even farther into uncharted territory. With 21 goals so far this season, he has finally reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career.
Following Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, Foden’s heroics spark the team’s comeback following a goalless draw with Arsenal.
“I’m loving my football at the moment,” said Phil Foden.
“Right now, I’m just really into my football. I proved today that I am capable of scoring goals. I’m content.
“I always try to do better than the previous season and get more goals.”. I’m working on more projects. I consider myself to be mostly a technical player, although I believe my abilities lie in the middle. The manager has told me that I’ll move up into that role since I’ve always advanced swiftly, and I think I’m striking the correct balance.
“I constantly make an effort to fit in. If you arrive late in the box, you score at least five goals in the season. There is still plenty to be done better. Although I don’t really practise free kicks, Julian provided me the confidence I needed. It was successful!”
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As a result, Manchester City overtakes Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings, though Liverpool might take the top spot back if they defeat Sheffield United tonight. In addition to bringing back new recruits Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola will be happy that they managed the match without suffering any losses.
Rodri told TNT Sports following Manchester City’s victory, “We showed a fantastic game from the first minute.” Despite giving up a goal, we maintained our speed and played one of the best games of the year.
FT: Man City 4-1 Aston Villa
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 3, 2024
Pep Guardiola's side collect the 3⃣ points following a Phil Foden masterclass! 👏 pic.twitter.com/a2OMGF2fQi
“Against Arsenal, we understood we needed to keep more people in the box. That was the intended message all along. While I don’t play for score, I still try to contribute as much as I can to the team, especially in the last third. I’m concentrating on and working on it.
“Phil Foden has developed each year I’ve been here.. Anywhere he wants, he can score. He has a unique quality, and I’m thrilled for him.”