Pep Guardiola praises Foden ‘influence’ as Manchester City nears PL title.
Manchester City moved to within three wins of reclaiming the Premier League title after registering a crucial come back to see off Aston Villa in the Premier League clash.
Villa took a shocking 20 seconds lead in a rapid start of the game when a quickly taken Aston Villa free-kick caught Man City completely by surprise.
Villa’s Oli Watkins chased the ball into the left channel before he squared it to the onrushing John McGinn who produced a first-time finish past Ederson.
Manchester City later pulled themselves level in their trademark style midway through the first half, with Foden playing the ball out to Riyad Mahrez on the right, who fed the overlapping run of Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese played the ball back in the box to find Foden, who had continued his run, before firing his boyhood side level.
In a game that saw both sides go down to 10 men, City enjoyed a large swathe of the ball that saw the game out with almost total control and extended their lead over Manchester United back to 11 points having played a game more than their cross-city rivals.
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Speaking after the game, City’s manager Pep Guardiola was delighted with his side’s performance, declaring the Premier League as the ‘most important title for his side.
“It was not the start that we imagined, but after that, we played so good,” he told Sky Sports. “After 10 against 11 and after Cash was sent off, it was a really good performance.
“The Premier League is the most important title to win. 11 months, fighting, fighting. Next one, Crystal Palace, we are going to try to get it closer.
“It wasn’t a slow start, to realise a slow start you need five or ten minutes, the goal was after 20 seconds. It was a fault and then sometimes you need to realise how to react in that situation, and with 10 against 11, we played really well.
“When it was 10 against 10, we controlled the game with the players that we had, with Riyad, Bernardo, Gundo[gan], Phil [Foden] and Rodri, we finished the game.”
Speaking about the influence of the 20 years old Foden, Guardiola said:
“It was late but the intention was no. Now because we have won I am happy. If we had lost I’d be angry. It’s a good lesson for the final on Sunday.”
Phil Foden was once again the star man for City, and Guardiola discussed the 20-year-old’s ‘influence’.
“This guy is growing. He is making steps forward all the time. His influence in our games is massive right now. Scored a goal, provoked the two yellow cards.
” He’s becoming a serious player. Phil right now is becoming such an important player. His influence in the final third is so important. He can play wide, can play inside. He is so aggressive with the ball.”
After a win against Aston Villa, City need just three wins from their remaining five games to secure a third Premier League title in four seasons.
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Pep Guardiola praises Foden ‘influence’ as Manchester City nears PL title.
