Phil Foden (foto: Getty Images)
Phil Foden’s two goals rescued Manchester City in a dramatic 3-2 win over Leeds, earning high praise from Pep Guardiola, who called him “a gift” and “the player we first met.”
Phil Foden delivered when Manchester City needed him most. The 24-year-old scored twice — including a stoppage-time winner — to help City edge past Leeds United 3-2 at the Etihad after nearly throwing away a two-goal lead.
For Pep Guardiola, the performance was nothing short of a perfect early Christmas present. After watching his team concede two quick goals to let Leeds back into the game, Foden’s late strike spared City’s blushes and reignited belief in the reigning champions’ title charge.
Guardiola was effusive in his praise afterwards, describing Foden as “a gift.”
“This season has been the Phil we met a long, long time ago — the impact of that guy when he arrived at 16, 17 years old in training. Oh my God, what a player,” Guardiola said. “It’s a joy, a pleasure, a gift to have him. He’s happy in his life, and he’s open to improvement. He has the mentality to say, ‘I’m going to win the game.’”
Foden opened the scoring early, followed by a Josko Gvardiol strike that put City 2-0 up. But Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha brought Leeds level, forcing Foden to rescue City once more in stoppage time.
After a difficult 2023/24 season, Foden says he finally feels like one of the leaders in the team. “I’m just feeling better about my game. I’ve become more mature,” he said. “Maybe not as a captain, but on the pitch I like to see myself as one of the leaders.”
He also revealed his renewed hunger for success: “I was frustrated after the Newcastle game because I missed a few chances. It was eating me up inside. I just wanted to put it right and make a difference — and I managed to do that today.”
Despite the defeat, Leeds boss Daniel Farke took pride in his side’s performance. “We played one of the best sides in the world with the best manager in the world. One moment of magic from Phil Foden has won it, but we can take a lot of confidence from this,” Farke said.
For Guardiola and City, Foden’s resurgence could prove crucial in their title pursuit — and as Pep put it, “the gift” couldn’t have come at a better time.