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Phil Foden says “anything can happen on the final day” and his Manchester City side are “keeping Arsenal on their toes” in the Premier League title race.
A much-changed City roll on with confidence for at least one more week in the Premier League title race A 3-0 win over sluggish Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola’s side trail Arsenal by two points with two games remaining and Mikel Arteta’s side cannot catch their rivals if they are perfect between now and May 24.
Leg habits Sky Sports: “We have to push and keep them on their toes. A lot can happen on finals day, I’ve experienced it many times when the game doesn’t go your way. We have our share of the game.”
There was one clear positive in the performance of Foden, who made his first Premier League start for more than two months.
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Premier League highlights from the match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace
The under-seen Foden made a big impact in a rare start as his pair of first-half assists fired the hosts into a commanding lead, from which they never looked back.
The opener was special. A moment of natural talent from Foden, as he produced in his vintage years – when City last won the title in 2023/24. His clever backheel flick found Antoine Semenyo on the move and the forward arrowed a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports called it the “helper of the season”.
“Sometimes it doesn’t pan out but it’s worth taking the risk,” Foden said.
“I’m buzzing to contribute and help get the three points.
“I had a good half of the season, but fell out and I struggled to get a place in the team with great players when they are bigger than you.
“I’ve had to be patient and train hard to wait for my moment and make the most of it. If you want to win trophies and titles, it’s a squad and everyone has a role to play.”
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Jamie Redknapp on what Pep Guardiola was saying to the Crystal Palace players after the match
Pep: Foden is completely unique
Pep Guardiola talks about Foden’s impact in the 3-0 win:
“Games like this against low blocks, they defend very well. You need quality, spark, talent, something that’s not there on the tactical board, not in meetings, not in training. He takes the ball in small spaces and creates something. Good players deliver; I’m pleased for him.
“It’s a position he’s not used to, as a holding midfielder, but I saw he was outstanding in the last game against Brentford. He helped in that position. And then Phil is absolutely unique in closing the box.”
Should Foden be in England’s World Cup squad?
It’s been a tough season for Foden but can he time his run to make Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad?
During the international break in March, Tuchel admitted that Foden was “struggling” and was not guaranteed a place in his 26-man squad, which is being named on Friday 22 May.
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Micah Richards says he will include Phil Foden in England’s World Cup squad, despite doubts over whether Thomas Tuchel will make the same call
Micah Richards, speaking Sky SportsThink Foden offers England a different option that could be effective at the World Cup.
He said: “Because it’s a 26-man squad, there are some games where teams will play less blocks and Foden can open the door. Tuchel likes Morgan Rodgers but in terms of passing and football brain I’d take Foden. He hasn’t played well for England at times, it hasn’t worked for him but he brings a big squad.
“I hope he gets in but I don’t think he will. He’ll be in my team though.”
Foden returned to form and enlivened the game
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
After the hour mark, Foden created five chances for teammates. This total was one fewer than any other player on the park. He finished the night with two assists and plenty of plaudits from Guardiola, which have been in short supply this season.
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Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp debate whether this will be Pep Guardiola’s last season at Manchester City
It was one of the few examples of a creatively complete performance, the kind Foden enjoyed during the vintage 2023/24 campaign. He also balanced his off-the-ball duties, making more defensive contributions (10) than any City player.
His tally of Premier League goal contributions now stands at 100. He is still only 25.
Perhaps such performances represent a belated push for an England call-up this summer. Maybe it was indicative of a team fighting for a Premier League title. Whatever the reason, it was a timely reminder of the class that resides in the player. Hopefully it’s not a one-off.
