Foden hits hat-trick as Manchester City beat AEK Athens 5-1

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City defeated AEK Athens 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium for their second win in the Champions League league phase. The England playmaker’s three goals marked his first treble in more than two years and followed a goal in Saturday’s victory over Ipswich. City took the lead after 12 minutes through Elliot Anderson, who reacted quickest after Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick struck the bar.

Anderson, who moved from Nottingham Forest during the close season, scored his first goal for the club. Foden doubled the advantage in the 34th minute after exchanging passes with Rico Lewis during a quick move through the AEK defence. He then finished high into the roof of the net from an acute angle, giving City a two-goal lead at half-time.

AEK responded after the interval when Stavros Pilios scored with the Greek side’s first shot on target. City quickly restored their cushion, however, as Rayan Cherki collected a pass from Foden, turned into space and produced a finish that Channels Television described as characteristic of his flamboyant style. Foden added his second of the evening in the 65th minute.

Cherki’s long ball was knocked down by Lewis, allowing Foden to arrive and place a shot into the top corner from 18 yards. He completed the hat-trick 11 minutes later by timing a run to meet Ryan McAidoo’s cross and tap home. The result followed City’s opening league-phase victory over Porto and their defeat by holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes from the Ipswich match, while Erling Haaland remained on the bench after limping down the tunnel following his two goals against Ipswich. The report said City’s changes and Haaland’s absence did not prevent them from controlling the contest. Channels Television framed Foden’s display as a possible turning point after a difficult period.

It said he had acknowledged mental-health struggles, had gone 10 months without scoring before the weekend, and had been omitted from England’s World Cup squad earlier in the year. City have won 10 of their 11 matches in all competitions this season, although the club’s wider future remains uncertain while it appeals an independent commission ruling over more than 100 alleged Premier League financial-rule breaches. Reports cited by Channels Television said a points deduction could threaten relegation, but no final outcome was given.