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Man City pile pressure on Arsenal with win over Palace
Phil Foden’s exceptional first-half assist, signaling a return to form, proved pivotal as Manchester City secured a crucial victory to maintain their challenge in this season’s captivating Premier League title race.
The 25-year-old orchestrated the first two goals in Wednesday night’s convincing 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side trailing league leaders Arsenal by a mere two points as the campaign enters its final week.
Prior to Foden’s sublime backheel assist for Antoine Semenyo’s opening goal, City appeared disjointed and lacked cohesion, a consequence of Guardiola’s decision to make six changes to the starting lineup.
The Spanish manager had previously faced repercussions for making extensive changes, notably the 10 alterations in the Champions League home defeat by Bayer Leverkusen. However, the absence of key players such as Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku on this occasion was necessitated by the impending FA Cup final.
As City prepare for Saturday’s encounter against Chelsea in pursuit of a domestic cup double, Foden’s impressive performance against Palace may have solidified his case for an appearance at Wembley.
“I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant [Semenyo] make a good movement,” Foden said, reflecting on the opening goal. “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.”
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp hailed it as the “assist of the season,” while ex-City defender Micah Richards commented on Sky Sports: “This is why I love him.
“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.”
Man City beat Crystal Palace to keep heat on Arsenal
Phil Foden was all smiles at full-time after his man-of-the-match display
Foden has registered 10 goals in 48 appearances for City this season, with his most recent strike occurring on 14 December against Palace in the reverse fixture.
The midfielder had endured a 27-match goal drought, leading to Guardiola relegating him to the bench in recent months. Wednesday’s start against Palace marked only his third in the 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 acknowledged.
“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.”
Although he did not find the net against Palace, Foden showcased his talent with an instinctive pass that Semenyo converted, eliciting enthusiastic celebrations from his manager on the touchline.
Foden provided two assists in a City 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 first half against Palace, the most by any player in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League game this season.
The academy graduate received a standing ovation upon being replaced by John Stones in the 82nd minute, and the cheers continued at full-time when he was announced as the man of the match.
The midfielder demonstrated his undeniable ability when he was crowned the PFA player of the year just two years ago, but he revealed last season that off-field issues and injuries contributed to a campaign in which he “struggled.”
Despite not reaching his full potential this season, City’s commitment to the player remains unwavering, as both parties recently agreed to a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
“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.
“It has to be a big role in the future. We want the best for Phil and Phil has to deliver what he has done for many, many years. He felt how people loved him, the standing ovation from the actions. People want him to be happy.”
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‘Beyond happy’ Guardiola praises Foden
Foden was the only player to start England’s final two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan before boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Tuchel stated last month that Foden’s place in the 24-strong squad is not guaranteed, casting doubt on his inclusion in the tournament.
Richards believes the midfielder’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance, but emphasized that he would include Foden in the squad if he were in Tuchel’s position.
“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.
“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.”
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Arsenal are guaranteed a long-awaited title triumph if they win their remaining two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta’s side will also secure the trophy if they win at Emirates Stadium on Monday and Guardiola’s team 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 currently hold a one-goal advantage in goal difference, leaving open the remote possibility that the title is decided by that metric, or goals scored, should Arsenal drop points in either of their final 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.”