Balotelli hat-trick sees off Villa


MANCHESTER, England (AP)—Mario Balotelli scored a hat-trick as City secured a comfortable 4-0 win that puts it top of the Premier League table.

English media reports have suggested that Balotelli wants to leave City after failing to settle in Manchester but he was made to feel at home by the Aston Villa defense on Tuesday.

City, who could even afford to rest topscorer Carlos Tevez, was ahead in the 8th minute through a Balotelli penalty before Joleon Lescott’s header doubled the lead in the 13th. Balotelli then notched his second with less than half-an-hour gone after good play from the excellent David Silva.

Balotelli’s third again came from the penalty spot to leave struggling Villa just two points above the relegation zone.