ASTON VILLA 0, MAN CITY 4
Manchester City’s teenage striker Kelechi Iheanacho seized a rare opportunity to start by scoring a fabulous hat-trick in the fourth-round Emirates FA Cup victory at Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old, who replaced rested Sergio Aguero, left the field clutching the match ball as he showed why he is rated so highly by City.
And despite his limited opportunities, Iheanacho has scored eight goals for the first team.
Raheem Sterling also found the net as the game was a walk in the part as City, with many of their top players rested, strolled to victory against an ordinary Villa side.
And after the game it was Iheanacho who was the centre of attention at the post-match conference.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini was not surprised by the exploits of the youngster.
He said: “I see him every day and know what he can do. People criticised us and asked why we didn’t replace Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, but that is why.
“To score a hat trick is not easy, but I was not surprised as I see him every day that he is improving. And we have a young player who is very important to our club and who deserves his space in the squad.”
Pellegrini also hinted that Iheanacho will win a place in City’s Champions League squad, especially as Wifried Bony is currently injured and won’t return for another fortnight.
City’s manager added that players were rested because of the demanding schedule of games as they chase silverware on four fronts. And if they are to sustain the push on all fronts, Pellegrini says he will need to utilise his full squad.
City rested most of their big-hitters as they made four changes to the side that kicked off their Capital One Cup tie against Everton in midweek.
Yaya Toure and Martin Demichelis didn’t make the matchday squad while Aguero and David Silva were on the bench.
There were recalls for Bacary Sagna, Fernando Reges, Jesus Navas and Iheanacho.
Former Villa player Fabian Delph received a frosty reception on a chilly afternoon for the return to his former club.
Villa’s line up also included ex-City pair Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair while Joleon Lescott was on the bench.
And it didn’t take long for City to inflict more pain and misery on the Premier League’s bottom club as they went ahead inside four minutes.
Young striker Iheanacho again seized on a rare start scoring his sixth goal of the season.
Navas’ corner was flicked on by Sagna to Fernando whose headed was cleared off the line. But with City still claiming the ball had crossed the line, Iheanacho made no mistake by rifling home the loose ball from inside the six-yard box.
City doubled their advantage midway through the opening period when they won a penalty after Raheem Sterling was brought down by Leandro Bacuna and Iheanacho sent keeper Brad Guzan the wrong way with a coolly taken spot kick for his seventh of the campaign.
Sterling and Bacuna were both booked for squaring up to one another and moments late Bacuna received a final warning after another misdemeanour.
And City might have added a third goal but for a good block by Guzan to deny Fernandinho’s point-blank effort.
Villa extended City goalkeeper Willy Caballero for the first time just before half time when he had to dive full length low to his left to keep out a drive from Idrissa Gana.
Sterling had two chances in quick succession early in the second half to extend City’s lead. First he forced a save from Gazan as he slid in to meet Fernandinho’s cross and then he headed over from a Navas cross when well placed.
Fernandinho forced Guzan to beat away a fierce drive while at the other end Caballero did well to claw away a free kick from Carlos Gil that was destined for the top corner.
Iheanacho completed a first hat-trick of his senior career when he was on target again 16 minutes from time. He intercepted a stray pass from Gana in the centre of the field and raced clear to slot home a lot shot.
It got even better two minutes later when City added a fourth goal. Fernandinho’s initial shot was well saved by Guzan, Iheanacho fluffed his follow-up attempt and the ball ran free for Sterling to slot home.
That was a signal for a mass exit of Villa fans, but for Pellegrini to introduce youngsters Bersant Celina, Angelino Tasende and Cameron Humphreys to get a run out in the latter stages.