Phil Foden scored three goals as Manchester City beat AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League. Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki also scored for the hosts, with Erling Haaland absent. City held their advantage after AEK pulled a goal back, while Foden said he was progressing toward his best form.
Manchester City beat Greek club AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League on 20 October. The English side won at home after AEK scored in the second half.[1], [2]
Phil Foden scored three times, with Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki also finding the net. Stavros Pilios scored for AEK. With Erling Haaland absent, young forward Floyd Samba featured in City’s attack.[1]
Anderson opened the scoring after Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick. Foden then combined with Rico Lewis to score before half-time. Pilios replied for the visitors after the interval, before Cherki widened City’s advantage again. Lewis also helped create Foden’s next goal. Ryan McAidoo supplied the pass for Foden to complete his hat-trick from close range.[1]
Foden said he was moving in the right direction but still had some way to go before reaching his best. City coach Enzo Maresca was pleased that players with little previous playing time were ready despite changes to the team. AEK coach Marko Nikolic said his side had wanted to threaten with the ball, and accepted that City deserved the win.[1]
