World-class Foden no longer little Phil, says Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

LONDON – Gifted as he is, Phil Foden has often been overshadowed by Manchester City’s big hitters but the England attacker is now a world-class performer in his own right, manager Pep Guardiola said after the victory at Bournemouth on Feb 24.

Foden’s ninth league goal of the season and 16th in all competitions secured the unconvincing 1-0 win that pushed champions City to one point behind English Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal sit one point behind the champions in third after their 4-1 home win over Newcastle United on Feb 24.

With Erling Haaland not back to his best after injury and playmaker Kevin de Bruyne used as a late substitute, Foden was the spark that kept City’s bandwagon firmly on track for a fourth successive title.

The 23-year-old Foden has also contributed seven league assists this season and has stepped up to be one of City's leaders on the pitch.

“Forget about the goals – of course they are important – but do you know how he played?” said the 53-year-old Guardiola.

“How he controlled and accelerated? He has become already a top-class football player. From a little boy, now he has become already Phil, a world-class, top player. He’s so good. He can play everywhere, especially in the central position and play really, really good.”

No player conjured more chances (four), took more shots (four), or recovered possession more times (nine) than the England international at the Vitality Stadium.

City are now 11 games unbeaten in the league and, while Liverpool and Arsenal are right with them in the title race, Guardiola’s side are showing again the ability to churn out results at the business end of the season. They beat Brentford 1-0 in midweek and Guardiola said his squad’s durability still surprised him.

“What can I say? The calendar is so demanding and the expectations are so high. What they have done for many years with a lot of games and many things. And always you believe they will fall down and won’t continue to do it – they surprise me,” he said.

Defender John Stones responded on Sky Sports, saying: “We thrive off the pressure. It’s just focusing on ourselves – every game is a final for us. They come thick and fast now, and we know we have to perform well.”

Foden slotted in from close range after Neto saved an effort from Haaland in the 24th minute, but Bournemouth, who are without a league win in seven games since Boxing Day, recovered from Foden’s goal to give City a genuine scare.

Ederson saved well from Ryan Christie’s strike just before half-time and the Brazilian was called into action again immediately after the interval. Justin Kluivert was given too much time and space outside the City area and the Bournemouth forward’s low drive was repelled by Ederson at full stretch.

Then Marcus Tavernier wasted two good chances.

City were nervous right up to the final whistle, but Dango Ouattara squandered a good chance before Enes Unal’s header crept inches wide.

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports: “Even when you play well and put them under pressure – second half I think they were suffering – but you have to take your chances and be more clinical.” REUTERS, AFP