Phil Foden hat-trick proves he is Man City's alternative goalscorer

Phil Foden proved he can be Manchester City's alternative goalscorer with a hat-trick and an assist in Tuesday's 5-1 Champions League rout of AEK Athens. The 26-year-old's starring role in the false nine position came with Erling Haaland rested, offering a timely solution for manager Enzo Maresca.

Foden opened his account on 34 minutes, finishing a move involving Rico Lewis. He then turned provider for Rayan Cherki's strike on 57 minutes before completing his treble with further goals on 65 and 76 minutes. His involvement in four of the five goals made him only the third Englishman to score a hat-trick and provide an assist in a Champions League match, following Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling.

"I enjoyed that a lot," Foden told reporters. "The lads were great again. We showed determination again. I am a forward so I have to keep scoring and helping the team."

Maresca's faith rewarded

Maresca, who made eight changes from the weekend win over Ipswich, retained Foden in his starting eleven and deployed him centrally. The Italian boss has consistently backed the player, stating he considers him "one of the best English players" since his appointment. This faith was repaid emphatically as Foden answered questions about City's attacking options beyond Haaland, who has eight goals in seven appearances this season but was given the night off.

The performance marked a dramatic upturn for Foden, who had endured a 10-month goal drought for club and country before breaking it against Ipswich last Saturday. His red card in the recent derby at Manchester United and a slow start to the campaign had seen him battle for a regular place. Former City defender Joleon Lescott praised the forward's display, saying, "Beautiful - that's the word I would use to describe him. His finishing was exquisite."

Context of a commanding win

The comprehensive victory at the Etihad Stadium, which saw Elliot Anderson open the scoring on 12 minutes, keeps City perfect in their Champions League group. It also extends a strong domestic start that sees the club top of the Premier League with 21 points from seven games, three clear of Arsenal.

City's next challenge is a trip to face Aston Villa on Friday. With Haaland likely to return, Maresca now has the confirmed luxury of a in-form Foden capable of influencing games from multiple positions. The player himself is focused on maintaining momentum. "Slowly, but surely," Foden added. "Still got a long way to go, but I am going in the right direction."

Further reading: BBC Sport Football