Phil Foden did his best Ilkay Gundogan impression to inspire Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Down 1-nil at half-time after a defensive mix up the champions needed a hero. Up stepped Foden to help Pep Guardiola’s side pick up a valuable three points.
So often in previous seasons, it was Ilkay Gundogan to lift Manchester City. The former City captain put in a similar performance at Goodison Park in a crucial victory for the European champions last season. During last night’s game, it was Foden who stepped up when his team needed him the most. He scored the equaliser for the treble winners in the 52nd minute with a wonderful long-range effort. His goal lifted City and inspired them to an impressive victory.
A phenomenal strike from @PhilFoden to spark the comeback! 💥🤯 pic.twitter.com/0Jb0J9YPay
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 28, 2023
This season has seen the England international take his game to another level. Playing in a more central midfield role it has seen Foden mature as a player. He has featured 28 times already this season in all competitions and added 9 goals and 6 assists.
But the statistics don’t tell the full story of Phil Foden’s influence. When his team needed someone against a determined Everton side it was the City academy jewel who stood up. He scored one and willed his team into a much better second-half performance. It spoke volumes of his maturity and new level of performance.
At times this season, it has appeared that the treble winners have needed a leader with Kevin De Bruyne injured and Ilkay Gundogan having left the club. Based on last night’s performance they may have found one that was right under their noses the whole time in Foden.
The post-game scenes with Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden spoke volumes about his standing in this Manchester City team.
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵 pic.twitter.com/eDao2BTunv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 27, 2023
