Phil Foden Hat-Trick Powers Manchester City to 5-1 European Win

Manchester City returned to winning form in Europe with a 5-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium, led by Phil Foden’s hat-trick and another influential display from Rayan Cherki.

Foden also created Cherki’s goal, while summer arrival Elliot Anderson scored his first for the club. Stavros Pilios pulled one back for the Greek visitors, registering the first goal City have conceded against opposition from Greece.

Quick facts

• Manchester City won 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
• Phil Foden scored three times and assisted Rayan Cherki.
• Elliot Anderson opened his City account.
• Stavros Pilios scored the first goal conceded by City against Greek opposition.
• Cherki now has six goals in 11 appearances in all competitions this season.
• City visit Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Erling Haaland was named among the substitutes after an injury concern, with Floyd Samba given an opportunity in attack. Cherki was afforded freedom to move between positions and made his mark midway through the second half.

The French forward deceived his defender with a dummy before guiding a low finish into the corner. His latest goal continued a productive start to the campaign, which includes four league goals, two assists and a League Cup strike.

Maresca praised the 23-year-old’s capacity to influence matches in decisive moments. “Rayan, like the others, had a good game,” he said. “He made an impact in some moments, like the goal. We know we can expect anything from Rayan at any moment.”

Questions over Cherki’s long-term potential and possible Ballon d’Or contention were met with a collective message from the City manager. Maresca pointed to Haaland, Cherki and Anderson as top players, but stressed that the focus must remain on the squad of 20 to 25 players rather than individual recognition.

The emphatic result has strengthened City’s position in the race for direct qualification to the Champions League knockout rounds. Their attention now turns quickly to Villa Park, where Aston Villa await on Saturday.

City will seek to protect their unbeaten domestic start against an in-form Villa side as the autumn schedule begins to intensify.