Manchester City’s attacker Phil Foden showcased absolute brilliance with a sensational hat-trick, which led his team to a resounding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium and mounting pressure on Premier League title contenders Arsenal land Liverpool.

Despite keeping his key players Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne on the bench, City under the tactical guidance of Pep Guardiola displayed their dominance over injury-plagued Villa, who suffered an additional setback of losing Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to illness just before the game started.

Mnachester City took an early lead in the 11th minute strike from Rodri, who finished clinically from Jeremy Doku’s Assist. However, Villa came with a swift response, with Jhon Duran equalizing just nine minutes later with a composed finish past Stefan Ortega.

Nevertheless, Foden Brilliance  took over the game, restoring City’s advantage just before halftime with a carefully-placed free-kick, which was  aided by Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo’s wall-breaking turn.

Foden  furthr extended City’s lead in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on Rodri’s  quick setup, before completing his hat-trick for the day in grand style seven minutes later with a rocketing strike from outside the box.

City could have had a fith goal in the stoppage time, but Sergio Gomez’s effort struck the outside of the post after a cool  cut-back from Josko Gvardiol.

This victory sees City level on points with Liverpool and trailing league leaders Arsenal by just one point.