A resurgent playmaker could be today’s key player for Manchester City | OneFootball

There have been a host of positives for Manchester City to take from their wins over Manchester United and Napoli. The return to form of Phil Foden is perhaps the biggest one. With Foden back at his best, and with Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland firing, Manchester City’s attack has looked lethal in their past two matches. Outside of his impressive performances, Foden looks to be happy again after a difficult 24/25 season. That is a key element of the England international playing well. A happy and firing Foden looms as Manchester City’s most important player ahead of today’s clash with Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola has explained what it takes for Foden to fire.

Speaking after Manchester City’s win over Napoli, Pep Guardiola explained that Foden looks to be over the issues that plagued him last season. He said Foden appears happy, which goes a long way to him playing at his optimum level. Guardiola explained: “We are so happy because I know that as much as he’s happy, has joy, and his life is fine, the rest, his nature, his incredible talent comes along.”

The Manchester City manager further explained that when Foden feels embraced by everyone associated with the team, it brings out his best. Guardiola further explained: “He’s a guy who needs to feel embraced, in all aspects; with his mates, with me, the club. When that happens, after Phil responds like the player that he is.”

A firing Phil Foden could be the most important player for Manchester City against Arsenal.

It has been evident over the past two matches what Phil Foden adds to Manchester City’s play when he is fit and at his best. He is the ultimate lock-pick in Pep Guardiola’s side currently. Foden opened the scoring in Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Manchester United last Sunday. His goals from midfield were missed by Pep Guardiola’s side last season. Against Napoli on Thursday evening, Foden played a sumptuous ball to Erling Haaland to unlock Napoli’s stubborn defence. That attribute may be needed by City today at the Emirates Stadium against a formidable Arsenal defence.

If Foden can carry his strong recent form into today’s match, it could be key to City’s unlocking Arsenal’s defence. Foden’s skillset, whether it be by playing a defence-splitting pass or his late runs into the Arsenal area and finishing, could be the difference today. Foden’s ability to ghost around the pitch and link up play could also trouble the Arsenal midfield. But to unlock all of that, Foden and his team will need to be at their best. That way, Foden can get on the ball in the areas that will most trouble Mikel Arteta’s side.

Phil Foden looks happy again, and it is no coincidence that he is back to resembling the player he has been for Manchester City for so long. He looms as a match-winner against Arsenal as if Foden fires, Arsenal may not have an answer for him at the Emirates Stadium later today.