“You never know what will happen on the last day,” said manager Phil Foden, adding that Manchester City’s side are “always on guard against Arsenal” in the race for the Premier League title.
A much-changed City confidently beat struggling Crystal Palace 3-0, igniting the Premier League title race for at least another week.
Josep Guardiola’s side trail Arsenal by two points with two games remaining, and if Mikel Arteta’s side remain in perfect form between now and May 24, they will be unable to catch up with their rivals.
Foden told Sky Sports: “We have to keep pushing and keep our eyes on them. A lot can happen on the last day. We’ve seen many times that the game doesn’t go our way. We have a role to play.”
There were clearly positive signs in Foden’s performance in his first Premier League start in more than two months.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Premier League highlights of Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace
Foden, who was rarely seen, gave the hosts a commanding lead with two assists in the first half and never looked back, but made a huge impact in a rare start.
The opener was special. Foden’s moments of instinctive genius are similar to those he produced in City’s last title-winning vintage year of 2023/24. His deft backheel flick set Antoine Semenyo in motion and the forward curled his first goal into the bottom corner.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp called it the “assist of the season”.
“Sometimes things don’t work out, but it’s worth the risk,” Foden said.
“I want to contribute and help us get the three points.
“I had a good half of the season, but then I slumped and I struggled to find my way into a team with such great players when they were working harder than you.
“I had to train patiently, waiting for my moment and making the most of it. If you want to win trophies and titles, it’s important for the team and everyone to do their part.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jamie Redknapp talks about what Pep Guardiola might have said to Crystal Palace players after the match
Pep: Foden is completely unique.
Josep Guardiola spoke about Foden’s influence in the 3-0 win:
“In these types of games with low blocks, they defend very well. You need quality, brilliance, talent, something that is not available in the tactical committee, in meetings or in training. He receives the ball in tight spaces and creates something. Good players do that. I am happy for him.”
“It’s an unfamiliar position for him as a holding midfielder, but I saw him stand out in the last game against Brentford, helping out in that position and Phil getting into the box is completely unique.”
Should Foden be included in England’s World Cup squad?
It’s been a tough season for Foden, but is he timing his chances to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad?
Tuchel admitted that Foden was “struggling” during the March international break and that he was not guaranteed a place in the 26-man squad, which will be selected on Friday 22 May.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Micah Richards says he intends to include Phil Foden in England’s World Cup squad, although there are doubts whether Thomas Tuchel will give him the same call-up.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Micah Richards believes Foden offers England another option that could help them at the World Cup.
He said: “It’s a 26-a-side team, so there are games where the team plays in a low block and Foden opens the door. Tuchel likes Morgan Rodgers, but in terms of passing and football brains he would choose Foden. “He hasn’t played well for England at times, it hasn’t worked for him, but he brings something different to the big teams.”
“I hope he gets in, but I don’t think he’ll get in. But he’ll be on my team.”
Foden regained some form and breathed life into the game.
Analysis by Laura Hunter of Sky Sports:
After the first hour, Foden created five chances for his teammates. That total was one less than all the other players on the park combined. He finished the night with two assists and plenty of praise from Guardiola, something he has lacked this season.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp discuss whether this will be Pep Guardiola’s last season at Manchester City
It was one of the few examples of a creatively accomplished performance, the kind that delighted Foden during his vintage 2023/24 campaign. He also balanced his off-the-ball role well, making more defensive contributions (10) than any other City player.
He currently ranks 100th in goal contributions in the Premier League. He’s only 25 years old.
Perhaps performances like this will earn him a belated call-up to the England squad this summer. Perhaps it just shows a team fighting for the Premier League title. Whatever the reason, it was a timely reminder of the classy player inside of me. I hope it’s not a one-off.
