Manchester City’s 46-pass move for Phil Foden’s opener against Forest was football at its finest. It encapsulated everything beautiful about the game, and the football played by City under Pep Guardiola.
There are going to be many contenders for goal of the season this campaign. The 30-yard screamers, solo runs, volleys and other quality goals will no doubt be contenders for the accolade. But there is something to be said for a goal that featured such passing, patience and movement. City’s opener against Forest is almost certainly the goal of the Premier League season 6 games in.
It’s the teamwork, precision and skill involved in the goal that makes it so spectacular. The way City picked Nottingham Forest apart was mesmerizing. Steve Cooper’s side was made to look non-existent in a move that spanned 2 minutes and 16 seconds. It also featured 9 City players including Ederson involved. The only two players not to touch the ball were Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. The possession map of the goal shows how the move unfolded.
By the time Rodri played the ball wide to Kyle Walker for him to lay it off to Phil Foden to fire home one of the best goals City have scored under Pep had unfolded. Manchester City have scored some spectacular goals during Pep’s reign. But Manchester City’s 46-pass goal against Forest may be the best of them all.