Premier League: Foden scores a hat-trick as Man City routs Aston Villa 4-1

In the absence of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, who had been left out of Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup, Foden proved the inspiration at Etihad Stadium and took his total to 21 goals this season.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden celebrates scoring his third goal during the Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium | Photo Credit: JASON CAIRNDUFF/ Reuters

Phil Foden scored a stunning hat trick as Manchester City routed Aston Villa 4-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The England international’s treble fired City to within a point of first-place Arsenal and level with Liverpool in second.

In the absence of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, who had been left out of Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup, Foden proved the inspiration at Etihad Stadium and took his total to 21 goals this season.

He struck just before halftime and then twice after the break as City extended its unbeaten run to 24 games in all competitions.

Rodri had put the defending champion ahead when he fired in from close range after Jeremy Doku’s cross in the 11th minute.

The lead lasted just nine minutes when Jhon Duran leveled for Villa — beating City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega from a tight angle.

City went on to dominate the chances before the break, with Julian Alvarez denied by the legs of Villa keeper Robin Olsen, who was a late replacement for Emiliano Martinez due to illness.

But the home team was ahead again in the first minute of first-half stoppage through Foden, who curled home a low free kick from the edge of the box.

Villa had chances to get back into the match in the second half until Foden took control.

He rolled his second into bottom corner with another clinical finish in the 62nd and he blasted his third into the top corner from the edge of the box seven minutes later.

Brentford draws 0-0 with Brighton to move further clear of relegation zone

Brentford edged a point closer to safety after a 0-0 draw with Brighton in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Thomas Frank’s team has now gone eight games without a win, but Luton’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal meant Brentford moved six points clear of the relegation zone.

Brighton, meanwhile, missed the chance to take advantage of West Ham, Newcastle and Wolverhampton dropping points this week in the battle to secure European football next season.