Foden hit hat-trick as Man City ease past Villa

Manchester City kept pace in the Premier League title race with a convincing 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

With both managers making changes in their starting XI, the hosts started better and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.

Jeremy Doku found space for a cross on the right and picked out Rodri inside the box, with the Spaniard firing high into the net

However, Aston Villa swiftly responded as Jhon Durán levelled the score with a clinical finish following a counter-attack. The Colombian striker combined with Morgan Rogers before firing a low shot past Stefan Ortega from a difficult angle.

Just before half-time, Pep Guardiola's men regained the lead from a free-kick as Phil Foden unleashed a powerful strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards out, exploiting a gap in the Villa defensive wall.

After the break, City dominated, with Robin Olsen making several crucial saves to keep the visitors in the game. 

However, Foden extended City's lead, first slotting home calmly after a pass from Rodri, then completing his hat-trick with a spectacular long-range effort.

Sergio Gomez came close to adding a fifth goal in stoppage time, as the Citizens comfortably secured the win.

The Treble winners sit third in the league, trailing Arsenal by just one point and Liverpool on goal difference. However, Jurgen Klopp's men have the chance to reclaim the top spot if they beat Sheffield United on Thursday.

Aston Villa remain in fourth place, but fifth-placed Tottenham have a chance to overtake them if they win their game in hand.

Nex up, Man City will visit Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime, while Villa will welcome Brentford later that afternoon.