On december 2010
On an afternoon to forget for Villa, Balotelli scored a hat-trick giving three points for Manchester City (4-0). The italian put City ahead from the penalty spot before Lescott doubled the lead. Another goal from Balotelli sent City in 3-0 at the break.
The visitors looked bright at the start of the second half but any faint hopes of a sensational comeback were ended abruptly when Albrighton fouled Johnson and Balotelli completed his hat-trick with another penalty. He had only mustered two Premier League goals prior to Tuesday's contest.
The win temporarily put City top of the Premier League but they slipped back to second after Manchester United drew 1-1 at Birmingham.
The match and the man-of-the-match award went to the spanish player David Silva, even though he had been substituted with half an hour to play. Carlos Cuéllar played all the match.
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