Manchester City's 5-1 win over AEK Athens on Tuesday was less about the scoreline and more about the answers it provided.
After Saturday's victory over Ipswich Town left several key players nursing injuries — including Antoine Semenyo, who is set to miss up to eight weeks with a knee issue — City needed a response. They got one, and then some.
Foden Ends Drought in Style
Phil Foden had not scored since December 2025. That particular statistic now looks rather silly. Four goals in his last two matches, including a fine third set up by young Ryan McAidoo, have emphatically ended the drought.
It is worth remembering that Foden only recently returned from a three-match ban for a violent act against Manchester United. Whatever rust might have been expected, there was none.
Anderson Off the Mark
Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest in July, had been waiting for his first goal. He did not have to wait long against AEK. After a direct free kick struck the top post, Anderson reacted first — via a blow to the jaw, no less — and bundled the ball home.
It was that kind of night: scrappy in moments, ruthless in others.
Youth Given a Chance
With Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku rested, City handed a start to 17-year-old Floyd Samba. The teenager earned valuable experience, and the Blues still had more than enough to see off their Greek visitors.
AEK's supporters, it must be said, never stopped singing. They made their voices heard throughout, even as their team were sent home watching their club lose. Fair play to them — it is not every away end that keeps going at 5-1 down.
For City, the night was about squad depth, returning confidence, and a glimpse of the future. The scoreline helped too.