The teenage player scored the winner in the vital Premier League clash and his boss afterwards paid tribute to the homegrown attacking midfielder
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Phil Foden after his match-winning performance against Tottenham on Saturday and used the opportunity to hit back at those who criticised his use of Fabian Delph in the Champions League.
City held on to a nervy 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, with Foden's goal – his first in the Premier League – coming after just five minutes.
Foden was making only his second top-flight start but looked at home as City claimed a measure of revenge for their European exit at the hands of Spurs, who progressed on away goals despite losing the quarter-final second leg 4-3 in midweek.
Spurs won the first leg 1-0 and Delph came in for significant criticism for his performance, as did Guardiola by extension, prompting a prickly response when asked about Foden following Saturday's win.
"Now I am a genius. He [Foden] scored a goal, how good is the manager? Then, after playing Delph in London, it is a disaster," Guardiola told reporters.
"Phil is an incredibly talented player and we have to pick him in the right moment. He has the quality to arrive in the box.
"Every time he plays he scores a goal or has chances. His ability in small spaces, it is not easy to play against [Eric] Dier or [Victor] Wanyama or [Christian] Eriksen.
"It is an incredible experience for him to play and I trust him a lot."
Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury in the first half and was subsequently forced off, making him a doubt for the remainder of the season, while the Belgian will almost certainly miss Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford.
That could provide Foden with the opportunity to make his first start in a Manchester derby.
"Maybe," Guardiola said when asked if Foden could feature against Manchester United.
"Maybe Kevin is not there, so we will see. I didn't spend one second to think about the match at Old Trafford.
"I need to enjoy today and rest a bit and then watch as many games as possible from United."
The Manchester derby represents City’s game in hand over Liverpool and a win for the Blues would see them take the lead in the race for the title, before a run-in that sees them face Burnley. Leicester and Brighton.
jamadinosz
58
Spain is too simple for him, Germany has a farmer's league. if he comes to England he will fail. now in England he has already won 4 trophies which no city manager has done in the past. he won the premier league that Liverpool is looking for for the past 29 years with 100 points which has never happened. he made 18 straight winning in premier league defeating along the way Liverpool, Chelsea, arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs. yet he is not a genius. you are simply jealous of him. because he has for city what your club can never do.
mehcdmpsy
54
All those who have lent their voice and data in criticism of Pep Guardiola, I say well done, it is easy and cheap to be a critic and ready made pundit, but look inwardly, ask yourself what I will ask you now; what have you achieved in life? to you, he may be a failure, but his penchant for perfection is unalloyed, he updates himself in other facets of life outside football. I ask again, what have you achieved so far?
P_Taneja
45
That's the problem with media they won't give u breathing space One day u win u are king Another day u loose, you don't knpw football
DaMhztourage
44
No amount of premier league victory over Tottenham will equate the knockout citizens suffered against Tottenham at quarterfinals of champions league because it mattered most for Pep who was looking for quadruple this season . On 1 : 0 victory, Pep will surely take the credit for starting Foden on this all important game , and English lad did not disappoint as he strikes early which turned out to be a match winner as City reclaimed top spot. congrats Foden .
Desanrst
41
What amazing thing has he done with city ? Winning the league once and trying to win it again -that is if he is able- your understanding of the word amazing is faulty.