It was after their impressive victory at Chelsea on 3 January that Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City were back.
The 10 days since have confirmed that view, with young England midfielder Phil Foden leading the Blues back on track.
It may not have been very impressive but Foden-inspired 1-0 win over Brighton at the Etihad City Stadium moved into the top three in the Premier League for the first time this season.
“It definitely feels like we’re back so good. We’ve been reassured by the last few results,” the 20-year-old said, with City now just four points from the top – has been 11th in November.
It was also the first time, this season or the last time, that City have won seven games in a row in all competitions, or gone eight without a loss in the league or 14 unbeaten in all competitions.
With local leaders and rivals Manchester United visiting Liverpool in second place on Sunday and their resurgent Arsenal among their next opponents, while Jurgen Klopp’s men must face Tottenham before last January, he would be a brave man who would refuse to be City at the top of the table. before the end of a month in which they will host Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Sheffield United, and travel to West Brom.
Foden ahead when City deal with absenteeism
In a season where robio Guardiola is plagued by injury and coronavirus of so many of his star players so often, it’s time for others to step in.
No one has done that more than Foden, who is developing in the way his manager has always promised – even in the times when it was questionable to handle the midfielder with that Jadon Sancho succeeded after leaving for Borussia Dortmund and more regular football.
“He was another good achievement. He is a guy with a special instinct close to the goal, not just with his left leg, but with his right leg. He deserves to play. higher, “Guardiola said.
“I try to judge my day-to-day performance and I feel like he spends his life 24 hours playing football. Today with a lot of attention about our lives – clearly less now because we have to be at home – but when you see a face he is happy at training sessions and playing games.
“When that happens it’s the rest that everyone sees as an accomplishment.”
Foden ‘s eighth goal of the season was an outstanding effort. Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne created the spot but Foden saw the opportunity, cutting inside the Brighton box before firing at the lower right foot past Robert Sanchez.
“I don’t get too much of a score with my right foot,” Foden said, before revealing that he liked the responsibility given to him right now.
It means he now manages City’s scoring records – and after Raheem Sterling was lost from the spot, he can’t be too far down the list to take over penalty duties.
And if anyone has benefited from the European Championships being postponed for a year, it would be Foden who would be in danger last spring but who is almost certain to be in Gareth Southgate’s squad this year.
“In the last few days, Phil has played against him [Chelsea’s Cesar] Azpilicueta, one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League, and he was exceptional. It was the same thing against it [Manchester United’s] Aaron Wan-Bissaka, “Guardiola said.
“I’m pretty sure he would have been chosen if it was me. Gareth, I don’t know but I’m sure he enjoyed it, like all of us.”
Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender, said of Match of the Day: “I think he is superstitious and truly one of the best English talents we have had in a long time. “
‘Joy to watch’
If there was a moment in this game where it was clear City had found themselves, it came a minute or two before Foden won in the first half.
Goalkeeper Ederson – who held City’s 15th clean sheet in 19 games – came out to gather a corner, then, with a basketball-style pass, sent De Bruyne to burst. just down the middle of the park.
Foden appeared at his right shoulder as a support, then when a tack came on the England man, the ball broke to De Bruyne who fired a shot towards a Brighton goal.
“The best football team in the league,” former Scottish international Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s beautiful. Every time I walk into the Etihad I’m excited because they have great players. They’re happy to watch.”
As expected, Guardiola was more like: “In the last 20 minutes we struggled because they’re awesome.”
After an uncertain start to a delayed campaign, City are now looking for nothing but wrestlers.
