Phil Foden Nets Hat-Trick as Manchester City Thrash AEK Athens 5-1

Anderson gave City the opening goal

Elliot Anderson gave City the lead in the 12th minute. With an equaliser now required, AEK pushed higher up the field, which opened up room for the hosts to move the ball around the box. City kept switching play from flank to flank rather than rushing for a second goal straight away.

Foden found the net in the 34th minute to double the advantage. City had already enjoyed most of the possession, and the two-goal cushion was the payoff for that pressure before the break. AEK went in at half-time still very much in the contest, though they had to find a way to stop City receiving the ball between midfield and their back line.

City responded quickly after AEK’s strike

Marios Pilios pulled one back for AEK in the 52nd minute, making it 2-1. For a brief spell, the visitors were in a position to level the score.

Rayan Cherki restored a two-goal gap in the 57th minute, taking the score to 3-1. City’s swift reply denied AEK any momentum and put them firmly back in control.

Foden’s hat-trick was complete

Foden struck again in the 65th minute and then finished his hat-trick in the 76th. That second strike effectively ended AEK’s hopes of a comeback, and the third set the final score at 5-1.

City spread their attacking options by keeping players on both flanks. Foden could drift into the box without being tied to one spot for the whole match. Anderson and Cherki also scored, which meant AEK could not concentrate their marking on a single man.

A quick reply after conceding settled the game

The decisive phase came once Pilios had cut the deficit to 2-1. City kept their composure, scored again inside five minutes and added two more before the final whistle.

AEK had a brief spell of threat and looked capable of tightening the contest, but once they pushed more players forward they could not stop City. Foden’s trio of goals turned a controlled display into a comprehensive win.