Phil Foden dropped another masterclass for Manchester City as they picked up a crucial win away at Aston Villa.
City, who played over 45 minutes with 10-men after John Stones was sent off for a reckless challenge on Jacob Ramsay, now need just eight points from five games to collect a third league title under Pep Guardiola.
John McGinn struck for the hosts just 21 seconds into the game at Villa Park but goals Foden and Rodri turned the game around.
Foden, having been instrumental in the build-up by playing a whipped pass into Riyad Mahrez, capped off a fine team goal by getting on the end of a Bernardo Silva cut-back and supplying a no-look finish with his right-foot to level matters.
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It was his seventh goal in the Premier League this term and his 14th in all competitions.
But his contributions did not end there. Prior to the second goal from Rodri, the 20-year-old forced the corner by rising Matty Cash on the left flank with an outrageous touch, turn and dribble.
Former Nottingham Forest defender Cash has had a fine first season in the top flight but he was given a torrid time by arguably the most in-form young player in world football.
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He would end up being given his marching orders in the second half after two fouls on Foden resulted in yellow cards. It was the only way he could thwart City's mesmeric No.47, who is surely working his way into Gareth Southgate's starting XI for the Euros.
This Man of the match display followed up match-winning performances in both legs of the Champions League quarter final against Borussia Dortmund.
As he is every game, Guardiola was asked about City's special prospect and said Foden is becoming "a serious player".
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"He is growing, this guy is growing," Guardiola told Sky Sports.
"He's making steps forward every time. His influence in our game is massive right now. He's so aggressive without the ball. He's becoming a serious player.
"There are guys who at 19, 20 are unstoppable. Then others who are 29, 30 who are not.
"Phil, right now, in the last games especially, is becoming such an important player. His influence in the final third is so important."
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Foden has contributed to 23 goals (14 goals and nine assists) in all competitions for City this season - with only Kevin De Bruyne involved in more for the Premier League leaders.
After a period in which many questioned City's development of Foden and their decision not to loan him out, Jamie Redknapp reckons he should now be starting for his country when June rolls around.
Waxing lyrical alongside Darren Bent post-match, Redknapp said: "I just think he can play anywhere and that is the modern game now, especially in that Manchester City team where they are total football at times. I remember when they played Liverpool last season and he turned up on the right tormenting the left-back.
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"I think with players like that, the important thing is not to pin them down to a position because he is so good you just want to see him on the ball. He can work off either side, he is so naturally adept with either foot. He can score goals, make goals.
"It is hard not to get excited about this guy. Of course, he is going to make the [England] squad. I was thinking he might not start the tournament but I reckon he is going to finish it. At the moment, the way he is going, it looks like you cannot keep him out of this [England] team.
"We have got an abundance of talent. But the way he is playing right now he is forcing his way into the starting 11 with performances like that because he is taking games by the scruff of the neck at such an early age. Not many people can do that. He is playing in the best team in the Premier League, playing a brand of football we all want to see.
"He is phenomenal."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Phil Foden, Aston Villa, Football, Premier League, England
