"Phil Foden's magical first-half assist and welcome return to form was the catalyst that Manchester City desperately needed to maintain their challenge in this season's fascinating Premier League title race. The 25-year-old set up the first two goals in Wednesday night's comfortable 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace to leave Pep Guardiola's side trailing leaders Arsenal by two points heading into the final week of the campaign."
"Up until Foden's fabulous backheel for Antoine Semenyo's opening goal, City had looked fragmented and disjointed after Guardiola had taken a chance with his starting line-up by making six changes. The Spaniard had already been stung earlier this season when he made 10 changes in the Champions League home defeat by Bayer Leverkusen, but leaving out the likes of Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku on this occasion was necessitated by the forthcoming FA Cup final."
""I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant [Semenyo] make a good movement," Foden said of the opening goal. "It is one of those, sometimes it doesn't come off. "Sometimes a risk is worth taking and I am very delighted it came off and we scored from it. Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is the most important.""
"Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp called it the "assist of the season", while ex-City defender Micah Richards added on Sky Sports: "This is why I love him. "The little backheel is sensational. I want him to do so well because he comes from the academy. It means more. To produce this from the academy, his vision and to execute that pass is mesmerising to me.""
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 with Phil Foden providing two key assists in the first half. The opening goal came from a backheel pass that set up Antoine Semenyo, after which City looked more connected despite earlier fragmentation caused by Pep Guardiola’s six changes. Guardiola rotated the squad due to the upcoming FA Cup final, leaving out players including Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku. The result left City trailing Arsenal by two points heading into the final week of the Premier League season. Foden’s performance improved his chances of playing at Wembley, and his vision and execution drew praise from Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards.
Read at www.bbc.com
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