Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City needed a moment of magic from Phil Foden to break the deadlock in the club’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Foden assisted Antoine Semenyo for the opening goal against the Eagles with a brilliant backheel, receiving the ball on the edge of the box before showing awareness to release Semenyo in on goal.
The assist was Foden’s 100th goal involvement in the Premier League, and he soon added another after setting up Omar Marmoush for the second. Savinho wrapped up the win late on as City maintained the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
At full-time, Guardiola was full of praise for Foden. The 25-year-old has not had the easiest of campaigns, but showed how important he can be against a deep-lying defence.
“This type of game, low block, [Palace] defend so well,” Guardiola said.
“They did similar in the final of the FA Cup [last season], defended really well with transitions and you need quality, spark, talent, vision – something that is not on tactical boards, meetings, videos, training.
“He receives the ball there in the small spaces and creates something that only good players can deliver. I’m really pleased for him.”
Guardiola pleased as Foden shines in deeper role
Guardiola again opted to use Foden in a deeper central midfield role, having experimented with the England international there against Brentford. The Spaniard has been delighted with Foden’s adaptation to the position.
“What I appreciate the most is that he played as a holding midfielder, a position he is not used to,” he added.
“He played there for the last 20 minutes against Brentford and was outstanding.
“It’s not that he’s lazy or doesn’t run – he runs incredibly all the time.
“He helped Bernie a lot and then we want him close to the box because close to the box he’s unique.”
