Pep Guardiola has heaped praises on Phil Foden after his impressive performance for Manchester City in their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
The England star came into the lineup as part of six changes made by Guardiola for the clash and he produced a magnificent display, adding two assists to help them keep in touch with Arsenal in the title race.
Foden has endured a difficult campaign and has even lost his place in the starting XI, but he showed his quality to lead City to victory.
Speaking after the clash, Guardiola hailed the influence of the England international, who led the Cityzens to victory against a very tricky Crystal Palace.
“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”, Guardiola said.
“Phil receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. The good players deliver; I’m pleased for him.”
Guardiola made six changes to the team ahead of the clash, with one eye on the weekend’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Foden created the first goal for Antoine Semenyo with a brilliant flick, before he helped the ball down for Omar Marmoush to score a second.
The 25-year-old created five chances in the first half, marking the most by any player in the first 45 minutes of an EPL match this season.
Savinho rounded up scoring with a late goal after substitute Rayan Cherki laid on the assist following a brilliant solo run.
“This is a position he’s not used to, as a 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”, Guardiola concluded.
Manchester City are now two points behind Arsenal with just two games left, with the title race set to go down the wire.
Meanwhile, they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final in their fourth straight appearance, hoping to bounce back from consecutive final losses to Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
