Phil Foden said “anything can happen on the final day” and said his Manchester City side “keep Arsenal on their toes” in the Premier League title race.
A much-changed City kept themselves in contention for the Premier League title for at least another week with a confident 3-0 win over poor Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola’s side continue to trail Arsenal by two points with two points remaining and will be unable to catch their rivals if Mikel Arteta’s side remain perfect between now and May 24.
foot customs sky sports: “We have to keep on our toes and keep pushing. A lot can happen on the last day. We’ve had several instances where the game doesn’t go the way we want. We have a role to play.”
There were clear positives to Foden’s performance as he made his first Premier League start in over two months.
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Premier League match highlights between Manchester City and Crystal Palace
The elusive Foden made a big impact on a rare start as a pair of first-half assists put the hosts ahead without looking back.
The opening was special. Foden’s moment of instinctive genius was similar to what City produced in a vintage season when they last won the title in 2023/24. His clever backheel flick found Antoine Semenyo on the move and the forward finished first time into the bottom corner.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp called it ‘the assist of the season’.
“Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but it’s worth the risk,” Foden said.
“I’m buzzing to contribute and help get the three points.
“I had a good half of the season but then I dropped out and struggled to get into a team where there were better players than you.
“I had to be patient and train hard to wait for my moment and make the most of it. To win trophies and titles it is important for the team and everyone to do their part.”
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Jamie Redknapp talks about what Pep Guardiola said to Crystal Palace players after the match.
Pep: Foden is completely unique
Pep Guardiola said of Foden’s influence in the 3-0 win:
“This type of game, against a low block, the defense is very good. It requires quality, spark and talent that you don’t have on the tactical boards, in meetings or in training. He receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. Good players deliver. I’m happy for him.
“As a holding midfielder, it’s an unfamiliar position, but he was outstanding in the last game against Brentford. He helped in that position and the way he closes the box is completely unique.”
Should Foden be included in England’s World Cup squad?
It’s been a difficult season for Foden, but can he get the timing right to make a run for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad?
During the March international break, Tuchel admitted Foden was “underperforming” and was not included in the 26-man squad to be named on Friday, May 22.
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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 decision.
Micah Richards says: sky sportsI think Foden gives England another option that could be useful at the World Cup.
He said: “It’s a 26-man squad so there are certain games where the team plays a low block and Foden can open up. Tuchel likes Morgan Rodgers but he will pick Foden in terms of his passing and his football brain. He hasn’t played well in England at times and it hasn’t worked for him but in a big squad he brings something different.
“I hope he gets in, but I don’t think he gets in. He’ll still be on my team, though.”
Foden has breathed life into the game with a long overdue return to form.
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
After an hour, Foden had created five chances for his teammates. That total was one less than all the other players in the park combined. He finished the night with two assists and some praise from Guardiola, something he has lacked this season.
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Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp are debating whether this will be Pep Guardiola’s last season at Manchester City.
It was one of the few examples of the kind of creatively accomplished performance Foden was pleased with during the vintage 2023/24 campaign. He also balanced his off-the-ball duties well, making more defensive contributions (10) than any other City player.
His tally of Premier League goal contributions has now reached 100 rounds. He is still only 25 years old.
Perhaps such a performance would mean a belated push for England this summer. Perhaps it represents a team fighting for the Premier League title. Whatever the reason, it was a timely reminder of the classy player that lives within it. I hope it’s not a one-off.
