Phil Foden Hat-Trick Inspires Manchester City’s 5-1 Champions League Win

Phil Foden responded to a difficult spell with a hat-trick and an assist as Manchester City swept to a 5-1 Champions League victory in the club’s 150th match in the competition.

The forward has scored four times in four days after ending a goal drought that had stretched back to December at the weekend. His return to form follows his dismissal in last month’s Manchester derby and gave City a timely lift after their 4-2 home loss to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain last week.

City made an early breakthrough through Elliot Anderson, who scored his first goal for the club after Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick struck the crossbar. Foden then converted a pass from Rico Lewis to put the hosts further ahead.

Stavros Pilios reduced the deficit seven minutes into the second half, becoming the first player from Greek opposition to score against City. The club had previously kept four clean sheets in meetings with Aris and Olympiacos.

City’s response was emphatic. Foden created Rayan Cherki’s goal before completing his treble with two further finishes, including a top-corner strike he selected as his favourite of the evening.

Foden encouraged by central role

Foden praised City’s persistence after a performance in which they had to recover their rhythm following periods of loose possession.

“I enjoyed that a lot,” he said. “The lads were great again. We showed determination. It wasn’t pretty at times and we were giving sloppy passes away, but we stuck to the game plan, kept going and eventually broke them down. Overall, I’m delighted.”

On his second goal, Foden added: “Probably the second one, to be honest, because of the way it went in. I’m delighted to be scoring now. I’m a forward, so I need to keep scoring and helping the team. It can only help my confidence.”

The 26-year-old said he is still working towards rediscovering his best level after two inconsistent seasons, but feels he is moving in the right direction. He particularly enjoyed operating as a false nine, dropping into spaces between the opposition’s midfield and defence and linking City’s attacking play.

“Slowly but surely, I’m getting back to my best, although there is still a long way to go,” Foden said. “Scoring along the way definitely helps. I have to keep working hard and be the best I can for the manager and the team.

“When I moved into the false-nine role, I enjoyed it a lot. I like being between the lines, in the pockets, and linking the play. I really enjoyed that role tonight.”

European milestone and academy opportunities

The treble lifted Foden to 23 goals in the Champions League proper. He moved beyond Steven Gerrard’s total of 21 and drew level with Frank Lampard among English scorers in the competition.

Head coach Enzo Maresca left Erling Haaland unused after the striker’s recent injury scare and used the occasion to hand Champions League debuts to Floyd Samba, Allan, Ryan McAidoo, Vitor Reis and Kaden Braithwaite.

Foden said senior players, including Ruben Dias and Haaland, have been trying to support the younger members of the squad during an injury-hit period.

“I’m trying to help them as much as I can, along with the captains, such as Ruben and Erling,” he said. “The manager has shown his trust in them. We have a lot of injuries at the moment, but he is not afraid to use the young lads. They have been playing really well and deserved their chance. I’m really happy for them.”

City will now turn back to the Premier League, where they are seeking to extend their flawless start. Maresca’s side travel to Aston Villa on Saturday for a 12:30 BST kick-off at Villa Park, with Haaland rested and Foden arriving in form.