Pep says City needed Foden’s magic moment | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola said City needed something special to break down Crystal Palace after Phil Foden’s brilliant backheel set up the opening goal.

Match Report

City close gap at the top to two points with stylish win

City moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over the Eagles at the Etihad.

We were held at bay for the opening half hour until Foden prised open the defence with a clever backheeled pass into Antoine Semenyo who finished with aplomb.

That was his 100th Premier League goal involvement – assist or goal – and he soon got his 101st which was finished by Omar Marmoush before Savinho added a late third.

“This type of game, low block, [Palace] defend so well,” Guardiola said after the game.

“They did similar in the final of the FA Cup [last season], defended really well with transitions and you need quality, spark, talent, vision - something that is not on tactical boards, meetings, videos, training.

“He receives the ball there in the small spaces and creates something that only good players can deliver. I’m really pleased for him.”

Guardiola made six changes from the side that beat Brentford 3-0 at the weekend with the former Academy played dropping into a deeper midfield role alongside Bernardo Silva.

It was a role Foden played late in the victory over the Bees and Guardiola was pleased with the way he performed in that position again.

“What I appreciate the most is that he played as a holding midfielder, a position he is not used to,” the boss added.

“He played there for the last 20 minutes against Brentford and was outstanding.

“It’s not that he’s lazy or doesn’t run - he runs incredibly all the time.

“He helped Bernie a lot and then we want him close to the box because close to the box he’s unique.”

SHOP OUR PHIL FODEN RANGE

Foden was deservedly awarded the man of the match and was given a huge reception when he was substituted late on.

At times it’s been a frustrating season but Guardiola has no doubts about his quality after what he is contributed in recent years.

“He has to have a big role in the future,” he added. “We want the best for him and he has to deliver what he has done for many, many years.

“He felt how people love him with the standing ovation.

“The first goal, the second one with the control, box to box - he’s a player with incredible attributes otherwise he would not be here for many years as an Academy player and win the six Premier Leagues and all the trophies we have together.

“His contribution has been amazing.”