Manchester City were not in their best form against Leeds and were given a two-goal lead, but Phil Foden saved the day with a two-goal salvo.
There are still weeks until Christmas, but Pep Guardiola believes he already has the perfect present. This is a rejuvenated Phil Foden, who Guardiola described as a “gift”.
When Manchester City were on the brink of collapse in a frenetic game at the Etihad, Foden came to the rescue as a winner. Guardiola’s side narrowed the gap to two points with goals from Foden and Josko Gvardiol, but Leeds qualified once again.
Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back, then won a penalty for Lucas Nmeka to equalize. City looked like they were going to drop a big two points, but Foden burst on in stoppage time to break Leeds’ hearts.
Last season was a disaster for Foden, which may explain Guardiola’s delight in letting one of his most influential players get closer to his best.
Guardiola said: “This season is the Phil we met so long ago, the impact of that man when he came to a training session at the age of 16 or 17. What a player. It’s a pleasure, a pleasure, a gift to have him, he’s happy in life. It’s an incredible pleasure to be his manager, because he’s so positive about improving and has the mentality and composure that you can say, ‘We’re going to win the game’.”
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He admits that he is feeling better and stronger, and believes he has become one of the leaders of Guardiola’s team.
Foden said: “I’m getting a good feeling about my game. I’d say I’m more mature. I think I’m one of the leaders now. Maybe not as captain, but maybe on the pitch. I like to see myself as one of the leaders.”
“Obviously, I’ve worked with him as one of the managers the longest, so I know what he wants and the standards he sets.
“I’m just trying to help as much as I can on the pitch. I consider myself a leader on the pitch. Hopefully I can help the team as much as I can. Games like this will definitely boost my confidence.”
Foden insists his appetite is back despite missing out on success last campaign.
He added: “There’s a hunger inside me. I know after the Newcastle game I was frustrated because I missed some chances. It’s been eating me up a little bit inside for the last few days. I just wanted to get it right and make a change.”
“I was able to score two important goals that helped win the game. I want to be that kind of player.
“Just trying to make a difference by scoring games and trying to be the player that people look at. I think that’s a good step in the right direction personally. It’ll give me a lot of confidence.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke believes his team will be hugely encouraged by pushing City to the limit despite being repechage over the Pennines.
He said: “We played for one of the best teams in the world. We played for the best manager in the world. A moment of magic from Phil Foden won us the title and we should have great confidence.”
“This performance should give us a lot of confidence. It will give us a lot of confidence moving forward that we have the quality and fighting spirit to do well.”
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