Phil Foden reached a century of career goals and left Manchester City messiah Pep Guardiola purring: “I hope he becomes a one-club man.”
The England midfielder’s two goals fired City’s six-shooters back into the top four and took him to 100 for club and country. As City warmed up for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain with a rout at Portman Road, Guardiola warned: “We are back to doing things that define this team for 10 years.”
Foden’s five goals in his last three Premier League games confirm he is back to his best, with Guardiola saying: “The biggest quality for Phil is around the box. He has the goal in his blood, in his bones, in his mind - 'I am going to score'.
“I have said many times he will improve. Of course there is nobody who desires more than me for him to be a one-club man, finish his career here and play many, many years because what we have here is an incredible City fan.
“At his age the amount of games, the amount of goals, the amount of assists, the amount of work ethic (is incredible). We talked many times in the last month, he is a completely different boy from the one at the beginning of the season and struggled with problems because players are human beings.
“Sometimes when you have long, long careers you have setbacks. We are really pleased that he's happy again and enjoying playing. That is really good for all of us. When he’s smiling every day it’s two goals.”
City climbed back into the top four for the first time since December 14 and Guardiola added: “I’m really pleased for the three points and to climb into qualification for the Champions League for next season - that will be so tough
“Maybe it’s not our best but it’s closer with the consistency we have in our game. The players know the standards and they know what they have done in the past. it's not about winning or losing. You have to enjoy it.
“It doesn't matter if you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theatre in London or a theatre in Sheffield and the ones in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling.”
Foden claimed City’s procession at Portman Road was “probably our best this season, in terms of all-round play” and added: "We are building momentum, keeping players fit is important.
“I put it down to people being in better shape and the team is bonding better. It is good to see me back scoring goals with a smile on my face and enjoying football. I want to keep going and adding to that. You never know what can happen. The aim is to stay in the top four.”
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna admitted: “It was a painful game - City’s quality was too strong for us in all aspects. But today wasn’t just about the gap from the Championship to the Premier League. They have done that to some of the best teams in the Premier League and top-class teams in Europe.”