Foden Provides Inspiration Money Can’t Buy, Says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola lauded Phil Foden’s impact in City’s win over Palace. City cut Arsenal’s lead to two points with two games left.
“You need the quality, the spark, the talent, the vision, something...”
Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden for providing the kind of spark that no tactical plan can create, after the England midfielder led Manchester City to a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
"His contribution has been amazing" 👏
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 13, 2026
🗣️ @PepTeam on tonight's Man of the Match, @PhilFoden pic.twitter.com/2iKH3esgoi
City kept the pressure on Arsenal, trimming their lead at the top to two points with two matches left. They controlled Palace even with six changes to the starting lineup.
Foden was back in the XI for the first time in a while and set up the first two goals for Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush. His clever back-heel assist for Semenyo had the City fans on their feet.
With the FA Cup final against Chelsea coming up, Foden set the pace from the start. The midfielder faces an uphill battle to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, largely because he hasn’t been playing regularly.
Foden said the strength in depth of Guardiola’s squad had been key as the season heads toward its finish.
“You need the quality, the spark, the talent, the vision, something,” Guardiola said of Foden. “It's not in the tactical boards, it's not in the meetings, it's not in the videos, it's not even the trainings.
“(Foden) receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. Like the good players, he can deliver and I'm really pleased for him, his performance as a whole.”
Guardiola shuffled his lineup with the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday in mind, and Foden took charge of the tempo. The midfielder remains an outside chance for Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad, mainly because of limited minutes this season.
Foden said the squad’s depth had become crucial as City pushed through the final stretch of the campaign.
“Massively important at this stage of the season to have fresh lads coming in,“ Foden said. “We were all excited to play and we were ready. It's a massive game, must-win, so we are really happy.”
The 25-year-old, who’s had to bide his time at points this season, was pleased to make an impact.
“Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points, which is the most important,” Foden said.
“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. It happens when you have quality players around you. You have to wait, be patient, train as hard as you can, and when you get your moment you have to take it.”
Guardiola knows City’s title hopes aren’t in their own hands.
If Arsenal beat Burnley on Monday, City will need to beat Bournemouth the next day. Bournemouth are pushing for Europe and are unbeaten in 16 games. City finish the season against Aston Villa on May 24.
🚨🗣️ Phil Foden on his assist: "I checked (my shoulder) a few times before receiving the ball; I'd seen Ant make a good movement."
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) May 13, 2026
"It's one of them where sometimes it doesn't come off — but sometimes the risk is worth trying. And I'm very delighted it came off and we scored… pic.twitter.com/qswOss1fnk
“I cannot ask for more. And now just incredible focus for the last two (league games),” Guardiola said. “But I would say, wow, the next contender is Bournemouth, look what they are doing this season, and after, Aston Villa - they are not easy ones, but just focusing and see what happens.”
Sensational back heel assist from @PhilFoden 👌@antoinesemenyo with the opener 👊 pic.twitter.com/ubTJgYaBW4
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 13, 2026
No comments:
Leave comment here