Phil Foden capped a scintillating display with a hat-trick as Manchester City moved to within a point of the Premier League summit courtesy of a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium.
The reigning champions got off to the perfect start when Rodri hammered home Jeremy Doku’s cross on 11 minutes.
However, a depleted Villa – who were missing key stars in Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez and John McGinn – pulled level nine minutes later when Jhon Duran polished off a slick one-two with Morgan Rogers.
The visitors looked to be heading in level at the interval but fell behind again in first-half stoppage time when a wall collapsed to allow Foden’s free kick to easily beat Robin Olsen.
Foden then put the result beyond doubt just past the hour with a crisp, first-time strike in off the post that took his tally for the season to 20 in all competitions.
The 23-year-old then secured his treble and the match ball with a long-range rocket that flew into the top corner 20 minutes from time.
The result means City stay third but they are now a point behind new leaders Arsenal, who beat Luton Town. Pep Guardiola’s champions are behind second-placed Liverpool on goal difference, but the Merseysiders can return to the top of the table if they beat Sheffield United on Thursday night.
Villa stay fourth but fifth-placed Tottenham could move above them if they win their game in hand.
Next up, Man City travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime while Villa host Brentford later that afternoon.
