Foden shines as Man City rout Athens 5-1 despite Haaland, Semenyo injuries

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City bounced back from last week’s loss to PSG despite off-field troubles.Published On 21 Oct 202621 Oct 2026Enzo Maresca believes Phil Foden has provided evidence that his prolonged slump might finally be over by scoring a hat-trick in Manchester City’s 5-1 rout of AEK Athens in the Champions League.After struggling badly over the last two seasons, England playmaker Foden could be on the brink of a long-awaited renaissance after his sublime display at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.It has been a trying period for the 26-year-old, who has admitted suffering from mental health issues.Foden fell out of favour with former City boss Pep Guardiola and had not scored for 10 months prior to his goal in Saturday’s Premier League win against Ipswich.This season has been another turbulent experience for Foden, who was sent off in City’s win at Manchester United and has been forced to battle for a place in Maresca’s starting lineup.Foden scored City’s fifth goal past AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli [Oli Scraff/AFP]Taking advantage of injuries that left Erling Haaland on the bench against AEK and sidelined Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks, Foden starre...