Phil Foden featured prominently in Manchester City’s recent 2-1 upset against Bournemouth, his second consecutive Premier League start this season after lining up against Southampton. The versatile playmaker initially took up the right-wing position but switched to midfield in the second half, alternating roles with Bernardo Silva as Pep Guardiola adjusted his tactics.
Foden came tantalizingly close to equalizing in the final minutes, just missing the target from within the box. Despite his best efforts, the 24-year-old is still seeking his first league goal this season. Sharing his thoughts post-match, Foden acknowledged the team’s lackluster performance, taking to Instagram to rally fans and teammates: “Not our best yesterday. Heads up and go again in the Champions League. Class support from the fans who made the long journey! Thank you.”
Teammate Nathan Ake echoed this sentiment, admitting the squad fell short, stating on his Instagram, “Not good enough today. Recover and be back better.” Erling Haaland also posted a similar message, emphasizing the need to regroup and push forward.
Foden’s stats against Bournemouth highlight his influence on the field. With a 0.35 expected goals and a notable 0.69 expected assists, along with 39 out of 44 accurate passes, he showed sparks of creativity and energy but hasn’t fully hit his stride. Nonetheless, his message indicates he’s ready to step up as City prepares for their Champions League clash against Sporting CP, aiming to snap out of a two-game skid. With his experience, Foden is likely to play a pivotal role in helping City regain momentum.