Phil Foden reflects on ‘one of the lowest parts’ of Manchester City career after Bristol City brace

Manchester City forward Phil Foden has delivered an honest verdict on his struggles since the World Cup after scoring twice in a win over Bristol City on Tuesday evening.

The 22-year-old marked a second successive start by scoring twice at Ashton Gate as the Premier League champions sealed a berth in the FA Cup quarter-final.

A regular for his boyhood club and the England National Team in the last two years, Foden has seen game time hard to come by since the Qatar World Cup.

Despite having netted 12 times and provided five assists in 32 outings across all competitions for City this season, the Stockport-born attacker has received criticism for what is perceived to have been a drop in consistency from the youngster.

After playing a crucial role in City’s last two title-winning campaigns, the form of Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez on the wings has also contributed to a bit-part role for Foden in recent months.

However, two starts in four days have seen Foden score thrice and cause havoc against Bournemouth and Bristol City, with the forward now looking back to his usual, confident self.

“It’s been one of the lowest parts of my career but everyone goes through them and it’s how you react. I love playing football and when I don’t, I’m a bit frustrated – that’s how it is,” Foden said in his post-match interview with ITV.

City boss Pep Guardiola, who has referred to Foden’s physical struggles to explain the attacker’s lack of minutes in the past few months, will be delighted to see his star man back in form ahead of the Premier League run-in.

Foden added: “I feel much better in my feet – it’s not easy sometimes when you play with discomfort in your feet.

“I’m feeling 100% fit now and comfortable. Hopefully I can come back into the Manchester City team and help them as much as possible.”

City next welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as they look to keep up the pressure on league leaders Arsenal, who play their game in hand over the Blues against Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Foden’s telling showings in attack against Bournemouth and Bristol City will give a welcome selection headache to Guardiola, who could choose to bring the in-form pair of Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez back into the lineup against Newcastle.