Manchester City 4
Rodri 11, Foden 45+1 62 69
Aston Villa
1 Durán 20
This scenario is due to the four dropped points in the draws in the previous two matches with their title rivals. And in Unai Emery's Champions League hopefuls, City took on and defeated the team directly below them, finally recording a victory over a top-six side.
They did so without Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne who were substitutes, and via Phil Foden whose scintillating hat-trick took his tally to 21 of a career-best season, and decorated City's win.
Now, the champions wait to see how Liverpool prosper at Anfield tonight ahead of Saturday's 12.30pm appointment at Crystal Palace.
Loss, draw, win read Villa's record in their previous three league outings; a total of four points to City's five in the same span. Emiliano Martínez was named in the visitor's XI but was taken ill so Robin Olsen replaced the No 1 for a second league appearance this season.
Emery's side were missing their 22-goal striker, Ollie Watkins, too, due to a hamstring problem. So into this void stepped Jhon Durán for a second league start, and he would score.
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