Man City intensify pressure on Arsenal with win over Crystal Palace
Phil Foden's exceptional first-half assist and return to form provided the crucial spark Manchester City needed to sustain their pursuit in this season's gripping Premier League title race.
The 25-year-old orchestrated the first two goals in Wednesday night's commanding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, leaving Pep Guardiola's team just two points behind leaders Arsenal as the campaign approaches its final week.
Before Foden’s remarkable backheel assist for Antoine Semenyo’s opening goal, City appeared fragmented and lacked cohesion, following Guardiola's decision to make six changes to his starting lineup.
Earlier this season, Guardiola faced criticism after making 10 changes in a Champions League home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. However, omitting key players such as Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku this time was necessary due to the upcoming FA Cup final.
City enter Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea aiming for a domestic cup double, and Foden’s impressive performance against Palace may have secured him a place in the Wembley squad.
"I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant [Semenyo] make a good movement," Foden explained about the opening goal. "It is one of those, sometimes it doesn't come off. Sometimes a risk is worth taking and I am very delighted it came off and we scored from it. Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is the most important."
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp described the assist as the "assist of the season," while ex-City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports:
"This is why I love him. The little backheel is sensational. I want him to do so well because he comes from the academy. It means more. To produce this from the academy, his vision and to execute that pass is mesmerising to me."
Man City beat Crystal Palace to keep heat on Arsenal
'When you get your moment, you have to take it'
Foden was all smiles at full-time following his man-of-the-match performance.
He has scored 10 goals in 48 appearances this season, but his last goal came on 14 December in the reverse fixture against Palace. The midfielder has now gone 27 matches without scoring, leading Guardiola to bench him in recent months. Wednesday's start marked just his third league start in the last 13 games and his first since 4 March.
"I would say I had a good half season - the first half - and dropped off a bit then struggled to find my place in the team," Foden said. "It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you, so I have had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can and when you get your moment you have to take it."
Though he did not score against Palace, Foden demonstrated his skill with an instinctive pass converted by Semenyo, which was enthusiastically celebrated by Guardiola on the touchline.
Foden recorded two assists in a City match for the first time since December 2023, and it was his first occasion providing two assists in the first half of a Premier League game. He also created five chances in the first half, the most by any player in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match this season.
The local talent received a standing ovation upon his substitution in the 82nd minute for John Stones and was further applauded at full-time when named man of the match.
Foden, who was crowned PFA Player of the Year two years ago, acknowledged last season that off-field issues and injuries contributed to a difficult campaign.
Although he has yet to fully regain his best form this season, City’s commitment to him remains strong, as evidenced by a recent new contract agreement at the Etihad Stadium.
"These type of games, they play the low block, it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal," Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day. "These types of games, the quality makes the difference and Phil is full of it in his body. I am beyond happy and satisfied.
It has to be a big role in the future. We want the best for Phil and Phil has to deliver what he has done for many, many years. He felt how people loved him, the standing ovation from the actions. People want him to be happy."
Foden’s World Cup prospects
Foden was the only player to start England’s final two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan before manager Thomas Tuchel announces his squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Tuchel recently stated that Foden does not have a guaranteed spot in the 24-man squad, casting uncertainty over his inclusion.
Richards commented on Foden’s World Cup chances, suggesting that if he were in Tuchel’s position, he would select the midfielder.
"There are certain games when you will play against teams who play a low block. He [Foden] is the one that can unlock the goal.
I know he [Tuchel] likes Morgan Rogers who is different and more intense with his pressing, but in terms of passing and football brain IQ, I would take him.
I know he's not had the best of seasons, but in a World Cup when you need something special, he can produce that.
I know he's not been at his best for England at all, but he has just got that magic and I just wish he could have shown it more this season. If I was picking the squad he would 100% be in."
Current Premier League title race
Arsenal will secure their long-awaited title if they win their remaining two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta’s side will also clinch the trophy if they win at Turf Moor on Monday and Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth the following day.
If City win at Bournemouth, the title race will extend to a tense final day on 24 May, with City hosting Aston Villa.
City currently lead Arsenal by one goal in goal difference, and there remains a slight possibility the title could be decided on goal difference or goals scored if Arsenal drop points in either of their last two games.
"Depends on them [Arsenal]," Guardiola said. "If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough."
