Manchester City came from behind to beat Cheltenham Town 3-1 in Saturday’s FA Cup clash at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium and Phil Foden was one of many players to impress. The 20-year-old got on the scoresheet and could have had multiple assists after teeing of many opportunities for his teammates.
No player created more chances, no player had more successful dribbles and no player had more shots on target than Foden, leading to high praise from Pep Guardiola who called him “clinical” after the game. The in-form England international has four goals and one assist in January alone.
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Against Cheltenham, Foden played a full 90 minutes, had 69 touches, won three aerial duels, completed 88% of his 50 passes, created five chances, had five shots with 40% hitting the target, whipped in three crosses with 66.66% finding a teammate, made one clearance, won one freekick and had four successful dribbles.
The 20-year-old has started six of City’s seven games in January and is flourishing with more playing time. Guardiola believes as much too, saying: “(Foden) needs to keep doing what he has being doing in terms of when we are in a bad moment or when we are losing in terms of what he gave to the game.
“Phil is in a great moment and with great confidence. he is clinical in front of goal. He can play winger, in the middle or in four or five positions up front. He is playing really well, has the physicality and in the right moment he scored a goal.”
Foden has made 25 appearances across the board this season, netting nine goals with five assists. He should start against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.