Phil Foden says “anything can happen on the final day” and his Manchester City team are “keeping Arsenal on their toes” in the Premier League title race.
Much-changed City rolled the Premier League title race on at least another week with a confident 3-0 victory over sluggish Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola’s side continue to trail Arsenal by two points with two left to play and will not be able to catch their rivals if Mikel Arteta’s side stay perfect between now and May 24.
Foden told Sky Sports: “We have to keep pushing and keep them on their toes. Lots of things can happen on the final day, I’ve experienced it many times when the game doesn’t go your way. We have our part to play.”
There was an obvious positive in the performance of Foden, who was making his first Premier League start in more than two months.
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Premier League highlights from the match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace
The lesser-seen Foden made a big impact on a rare start as his pair of assists in the first half putting the hosts into a commanding lead, from which they never looked back.
The opener was special. A moment of instinctive genius from Foden, akin to the like he was producing during his vintage year – 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.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp called it the “assist of the season”.
“Sometimes it doesn’t come off but the risk is worth taking,” Foden said.
“I’m buzzing to contribute and help get three points.
“I had a good half of the season, but dropped off and I struggled to find my way into the team with such great players when they are more at it 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 about a squad and everyone playing their part.”
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Jamie Redknapp on what Pep Guardiola might have been saying to the Crystal Palace players after the match
Pep: Foden is completely unique
Pep Guardiola speaking about Foden’s impact in the 3-0 win:
“These type of games against a low block, they defend so well. You need quality, spark, talent, something that isn’t in the tactical board, not in the meeting, not in the training. He receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. The good players deliver; I’m pleased for him.
“This is a position he’s not used to, as holding midfielder, but I saw in the last game against Brentford he was outstanding. He helped in that position. And then close the box Phil is completely unique.”
Should Foden be in England’s World Cup squad?
This has been a tough season for Foden but could he be timing his run to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad?
During the March international break, Tuchel admitted that Foden was “struggling” and was not guaranteed a place in his 26-man squad, which is being named on Friday May 22.
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Micah Richards says he would include Phil Foden in England’s World Cup squad, despite doubts over whether Thomas Tuchel will make the same call
Micah Richards, speaking to Sky Sports, thinks Foden offers England a different option that could be useful in a World Cup.
He said: “As it’s a 26-man squad, there are certain games where teams will play a low block and Foden can unlock the door. Tuchel likes Morgan Rogers but in terms of passing and football brain I’d be taking Foden. He’s not played well at times for England, it’s not worked for him but he brings something different in a big squad.
“I hope he gets in but I don’t think he gets in. He’d be in my squad though.”
Foden brought game to life in overdue return to form
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Just past the hour mark, Foden had created five chances for team-mates. That total was one less than every other player on the park combined. He ended the night with two assists and plenty of praise from Guardiola, which has 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
This was one of few examples of a creatively complete performance, the kind Foden delighted with during the vintage 2023/24 campaign. He balanced his off-the-ball duties well, too, making more defensive contributions (10) than any City player.
His Premier League goal contributions tally now stands at a round 100. He’s still only 25.
Perhaps such a performance represents a belated push for an England call this summer. Maybe it was just indicative of a team fighting for a Premier League title. Whatever the reason, it was a timely reminder of the classy player that resides within. Hopefully it’s not a one-off.
