Foden’s hat-trick puts Manchester City back on track in the Champions League

Phil Foden rediscovered his scoring form with a hat-trick as Manchester City beat AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League. Stavros Pilios pulled one back seven minutes after half-time, but City quickly took control again. Foden then set up Rayan Cherki, who made room with a turn before finding the bottom corner.

Foden also supplied the pass for Cherki’s goal. Asked which of his three strikes he liked best, the England midfielder chose the second, saying he especially enjoyed the way the ball went in.

Foden featured on the right wing and as a false nine, finding pockets between the lines and helping City link their attacks. Rico Lewis played a part in his scoring, combining with him on the right for one move and later directing a long ball from Cherki into Foden’s path. Substitute Ryan McAidoo also supplied the cross that Foden finished to complete his hat-trick.

City’s night also brought Champions League debuts for Floyd Samba, Allan, Ryan McAidoo, Vitor Reis and Kaden Braithwaite. With Erling Haaland left on the bench, 17-year-old Floyd Samba was brought in to deputise for him. Elliot Anderson was also on the scoresheet. Allan hit the crossbar during a first half in which City had ten attempts on Alberto Brignoli’s goal.

Despite the emphatic display, Foden believes the team can still improve. The win over AEK, with goals shared between Foden, Cherki and Anderson, puts Manchester City back on track in the Champions League. For Foden, the hat-trick also marked a personal return to form after a difficult spell.