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.
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.
