Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho hit a hat-trick as his side crushed Aston Villa 4-0 on Saturday in the FA Cup fourth round, with Raheem Sterling also on target.
It was only Iheanacho’s fifth start of the season, but the 19-year-old Nigerian has now found the back of the net eight times, vindicating manager Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to leave Sergio Aguero on the bench.
City’s win kept them in contention for glory on four fronts, with Pellegrini’s side three points below leaders Leicester City in the Premier League and through to the Champions League last 16 and League Cup final.
Pellegrini also put David Silva on the bench, while Yaya Toure was left out of the match-day squad altogether, as both managers rested players with vital Premier League matches coming up.
But Villa manager Remi Garde quickly came to regret the wholesale changes he made in the heart of his defence, where Micah Richards and Ciaran Clark replaced Jores Okore and Joleon Lescott.
It was a decision that may have led to the first goal after just four minutes as Villa’s marking was found wanting at a corner.
Inevitably Fabian Delph, who was booed on his return to Villa Park, was involved in the goal, winning the corner and then taking the set-piece himself.
His kick was flicked on by Bacary Sagna and met with a powerful Fernando header at the far post.
Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan could not hold the ball and Iheanacho was on hand to hook in for the opening goal.
Three minutes later the goalscorer almost turned provider after he was released down the left flank.
He whipped a perfect ball across for Jesus Navas, who could only fire the ball straight at Guzan.
Iheanacho then doubled the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot after Leandro Bacuna was penalised for nudging Sterling in the back.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate