Iheanacho scores first City’s hattrick to keep Club’s quadruple hopes alive

Manchester City advanced into the fifth round of the FA Cup as Kelechi Iheanacho scored a hat trick in an easy win away to Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.

City took only four minutes to go in front when ex-Villa star Fabian Delph curled in a corner that was flicked on for Iheanacho to convert from close range.

And the striker was on target again 20 minutes later when Raheem Sterling was felled inside the area by Leandro Bacuna and he converted from the penalty spot.

Idrissa Gueye had an effort saved by City goalkeeper Willy Caballero and Villa were lucky not to be down to 10 men when Bacuna grabbed Sterling by the throat after a confrontation.

The home side struggled to find any rhythm in the second half as City continued to create chances and goalkeeper Brad Guzan made a fine stop from Sterling after Fernandinho’s cross.

Iheanacho completed his hat trick with a breakaway goal, racing from halfway to finish coolly, before Sterling added another as the visitors overwhelmed their demoralised hosts.