The Phil Foden show in front of 20,000 empty seats at the Etihad: Man City's hat-trick hero has found the fizz and purpose that deserted him last season as he stakes his claim in style, writes JACK GAUGHAN

Phil Foden starred for Manchester City in a match played at the Etihad Stadium in front of approximately 20,000 empty seats, scoring a hat-trick to stake his claim for a key role in the team. With Erling Haaland's future uncertain, Foden also demonstrated his ability to fill in on the right wing in place of Antoine Semenyo. The performance marked a significant return to form for Foden, who had struggled for consistency throughout the previous season.