Phil Foden broke his goalscoring duck when he scored the opening goal for Manchester City in their 3-2 win over Ipswich Town last Saturday. That goal, and Foden’s performance, showed that he was close to finding his touch once again. Following on from that display, Foden scored a hat-trick last night as Enzo Maresca’s side beat AEK Athens 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League league phase fixture at the Etihad Stadium. With Foden firing, the Manchester City attack is infinitely more dangerous, which was on display against AEK Athens.
The class of Phil Foden stood out as Manchester City brushed AEK Athens aside.
It was impossible to miss the class of Phil Foden’s performance against AEK Athens. Outside of his hat-trick, the class of Foden was evident throughout City’s win. Foden was crisp in possession, elusive when on the ball and his link-up play with his teammates, especially Rico Lewis, was superb.
To top it off, Phil Foden scored a brilliant hat-trick. His first goal came after a powerful finish in the 34th minute after he combined with Rico Lewis on City’s right-hand side to give his team a 2-0 lead. Phil Foden’s second goal came via a thumping first-time finish after Rayan Cherki played a ball over the AEK Athens defence and Rico Lewis laid the ball back for Foden to hit with a sublime piece of control and skill. Foden would complete his hat-trick after he tapped in a Ryan McAidoo cross at the back post to cap off a move which was born in Manchester City’s academy.
Phil Foden also grabbed an assist as it was his lay off that set up Rayan Cherki to score Manchester City’s third goal of the night. Last night’s performance from Phil Foden was the England international at his best. His finishing was on point, as was his touch in possession and movement. With Foden playing like he has in his past two matches, Enzo Maresca’s side has another element added to their attack.
Enzo Maresca’s side is a more dangerous threat in the final third with Foden firing.
Manchester City are blessed with wide variety of attacking options. Each of City’s attacking players offers something unique in the final third. However, it isn’t a stretch to say that City are at their most dangerous when they have Foden firing. He is an elite finisher and his game combines superbly well with his teammates. In a team blessed with quality, guile, power and speed Foden offers a different threat entirely to anyone else in the Manchester City squad. He has now scored four goals in his past two matches which illustrates what a firing Phil Foden brings to the table.
Speaking after last night’s match, Enzo Maresca revealed that he has been thrilled with Phil Foden’s form before his red card against Manchester United last month. Also, Maresca said that he was keen to help Foden regain his best form. He explained: “I was very happy with Phil, even before the red card to be honest.”
“I said since day one I consider him one of the best English players, I know how good he is. We are just trying to help him because I’m sure he will help us.“
“We know Phil is a top player. For different reasons he had some problems in the last two years but I know he is going to help us and how good he is. That’s why I’m keen to have him in the best way.“
Manchester City will be thrilled to see Phil Foden back amongst the goals. It is also exciting to see Foden back gliding around the pitch playing with confidence. The England international adds an element to the City attack that is unique and different to any other player in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Enzo Maresca’s side is a more dangerous threat with Foden up and about and his performance against AEK Athens illustrated this point perfectly.