Foden’s Moment of Magic Keeps City in Title Hunt
Phil Foden produced a moment of breathtaking ingenuity on Wednesday night to help Manchester City secure a vital 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, keeping the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with just two games remaining in the season.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who has endured a difficult campaign by his own high standards, provided the assist for the opening goal with a spectacular backheel that left pundits and fans alike in awe. The win at the Etihad Stadium moves Pep Guardiola’s side to within two points of Arsenal, who still hold their destiny in their own hands.
A Gamble That Paid Off
Guardiola made six changes to his starting line-up for the match, a risky decision given the stakes involved. The Spaniard had previously been burned by heavy rotation earlier in the season, most notably when making 10 changes for a Champions League home defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.
The reasoning behind the squad overhaul was clear: City face Chelsea on Saturday in the FA Cup final and the manager needed to manage his players’ fitness. The decision to leave out the likes of Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku raised eyebrows, but it was Foden who justified his inclusion with a display that reminded everyone of his prodigious talent.
Before Foden’s moment of magic, City had looked disjointed and lacking rhythm. The backheel assist for Antoine Semenyo changed the complexion of the game entirely, and the home side never looked back.
“I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant make a good movement,” Foden said after the match. “It is one of those, sometimes it doesn’t come off. Sometimes a risk is worth taking and I am very delighted it came off and we scored from it. Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is the most important.”
Praise from Pundits and Manager
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp described the assist as “the assist of the season”, while ex-City defender Micah Richards was equally effusive in his praise on Sky Sports.
“This is why I love him,” Richards said. “The little backheel is sensational. I want him to do so well because he comes from the academy. It means more. To produce this from the academy, his vision and to execute that pass is mesmerising to me.”
Guardiola was also full of praise for the academy graduate, who received a standing ovation when substituted in the 82nd minute for John Stones.
“These type of games, they play the low block, it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal,” Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day. “These types of games, the quality makes the difference and Phil is full of it in his body. I am beyond happy and satisfied.”
‘When You Get Your Moment, You Have to Take It’
Foden’s performance was particularly significant given his recent struggles. The midfielder has scored just 10 times in 48 appearances this season, with his most recent goal coming on 14 December in the reverse fixture against Palace. He has now gone 27 matches without finding the net.
Guardiola had relegated Foden to the bench in recent months, with Wednesday’s start against Palace just his third in his past 13 league games and his first since 4 March.
“I would say I had a good half season – the first half – and dropped off a bit then struggled to find my place in the team,” Foden admitted. “It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you, so I have had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can and when you get your moment you have to take it.”
Despite his goal drought, Foden’s creative output against Palace was exceptional. He provided two assists in a game for the first time since December 2023 and it was the first time he has assisted two goals in the first half of a Premier League match. He also created five chances in the opening 45 minutes, the most by any player in the first half of a Premier League game this season.
City’s commitment to the player remains unquestionable, with the two parties recently agreeing a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
World Cup Hopes in the Balance
Foden was the only player to start England’s final two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan before manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad for this summer’s World Cup. However, Tuchel said last month that Foden does not have a guaranteed place in the 24-strong selection, casting doubts over whether he will be on the plane.
Micah Richards believes the midfielder’s World Cup hopes are in the balance, but if he was in Tuchel’s shoes, he would be taking him.
“There are certain games when you will play against teams who play a low block. He [Foden] is the one that can unlock the goal,” Richards said.
“I know he [Tuchel] likes Morgan Rogers who is different and more intense with his pressing, but in terms of passing and football brain IQ, I would take him. I know he’s not had the best of seasons, but in a World Cup when you need something special, he can produce that. I know he’s not been at his best for England at all, but he has just got that magic and I just wish he could have shown it more this season. If I was picking the squad he would 100% be in.”
Title Race Heads to the Wire
Arsenal will guarantee a long-awaited title triumph if they win their remaining two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta’s men will also lift the trophy if they win at the Emirates Stadium on Monday and Guardiola’s side fail to beat Bournemouth the following day.
Should City claim three points on the south coast against the Cherries, then it will go down to a tense final day on 24 May, with Guardiola’s side hosting Aston Villa.
City are one goal ahead on goal difference, and there is still the remote possibility that the title goes down to that metric, or goals scored, if Arsenal end up dropping points in either of their last two matches.
“Depends on them [Arsenal],” said Guardiola. “If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough.”
