Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his delight at seeing Phil Foden back to his influential best after the England international scored in City’s 3-0 demolition of Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The 25-year-old forward, often referred to as the “Stockport Iniesta” by City fans, opened the scoring with a superb header in the 18th minute, beating United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to give his boyhood club the early advantage. Foden then played a pivotal role in City’s second goal after half-time, combining in attack before Erling Haaland delicately lifted the ball over Bayindir to double the lead.
It was a timely reminder of Foden’s talent, especially after a turbulent 12 months in which he struggled to replicate his incredible 2023-24 season—a campaign where he was voted PFA Players’ Player of the Year and spearheaded City to a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
A Dip in Form and Confidence
Last season was a frustrating one for Foden. He was in and out of Guardiola’s starting XI, with Manchester City enduring their lowest league finish under the Spaniard—third place with just 71 points. Injuries, fatigue, and personal challenges prevented the forward from finding rhythm.
In April, he sustained an ankle ligament injury in a Manchester derby, which lingered for months. Off the pitch, Foden admitted to battling “a lot of things mentally,” which further affected his performances. As a result, both pundits and fans criticised his lack of consistency, especially after setting such a high standard the year before.
Speaking candidly earlier this year, Foden said:
“It’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. I picked up an ankle injury, played through the pain, and it took time to heal.”
Guardiola’s Faith in Foden
Guardiola, however, has never lost belief in Foden’s importance. After the derby win, he praised the forward’s intelligence and ability to unlock defences:
“We missed him so much. He moved behind the striker, he has the sense of the team and the quality to keep the ball. Most play the ball and say, ‘Look how good the pass was’. He makes the pass and zoom! It’s different.
Pep Guardiola: “Phil Foden is the core, HEART of this club! He’s from the Academy, he loves ManCity. To have him back is very good news!”
We cannot forget two seasons ago when we won the last game against West Ham to win the league. Phil was the key player. Last season, for injuries and other reasons, he couldn’t be with us. Hopefully step by step, he can get back.”
Guardiola stressed that Foden’s energy, creativity, and local connection to the club make him invaluable:
“He is a Manchester City supporter, and he can do what he’s able to do. With joy and happiness on his face, we’re going to have the best Phil. We need him so much.”
Why His Return Matters
City began the new season with a mixed bag—an opening 4-0 win over Wolves followed by defeats to Tottenham and Brighton. It marked Guardiola’s worst-ever start to a league campaign. Many questioned whether City, now without long-time talisman Kevin De Bruyne, had enough creativity in midfield to mount a title challenge.
Foden’s display against United showed that he can be the architect-in-chief for Guardiola’s side. His movement between the lines, ability to link with Haaland, and eye for decisive passes provided the spark City had been missing.
The performance also serves as a boost for Foden’s international ambitions with England, where consistency and form are key to securing a prominent role under Thomas Thuchel.
While Sunday’s performance reignited excitement around Foden, the challenge now lies in sustained consistency. Guardiola will expect his No. 47 to:
Maintain his fitness and avoid recurring injuries.
Deliver regularly in goals, assists, and overall influence.
Shoulder more creative responsibility in the post-De Bruyne era.
For Foden, this could be the beginning of a redemption arc. If he continues in this vein, he may once again establish himself among Europe’s most dangerous playmakers and prove crucial in Manchester City’s hunt for domestic and continental success this season.
