Phil Foden was the best player on the pitch at Etihad. Credit: AP Photo/Dave Thompson Match Summary — Premier League 23/24 — Manchester City — Newcastle United
Pep Guardiola admits it would be impossible to 'copy and paste' Kevin de Bruyne while his playmaker is out games due to injury, but the decision came in the form of Phil Foden during a claimed treble victory. winners.
Guaridola has been open about looking to the transfer market to make up for the loss of De Bruyne, who faces a suspension until February following hamstring surgery. West Ham's Lucas Paqueta was targeted before the FA's betting investigation found the move to be a flop.
But it wasn't De Bruyne, no problem. Foden spawned in tight spots, never tied into his wide starting position, and often created attacks in central areas. The damage he caused came after he took the ball half a turn, just like his injured Belgian teammate. He even stood above the set pieces, looking like De Bruyne with his serve.
It was Foden who set up Julián Alvarez's goal in the first half as he left Etihad with man of the match champagne.
His longtime nickname «Stockport Iniesta» points to the expectations on Foden's shoulders. He was a homegrown talent who was destined to rise to the first team and become a regular match-winner. This talent was obvious, but he has a chance to work steadily over the next months.
Pep Guardiola was clearly delighted with his midfield maestro. Photo: Reuters/Phil Noble
“Phil can play in all positions up front, he has incredible ability between the lines, when he turns around and attacks the last lines, this is one of the best I have seen,” Guardiola said. “He doesn’t need two or three touches. I know how good Phil is in this position.”
The victory was the perfect answer to other problems at the end of a grueling week. How will City react after a 3,000-mile trip to Athens for the UEFA Super Cup? They threw everything at their favorite opponents, who had a full week for Eddie Howe to get them ready on the training grounds. They also found another way to win without Erling Haaland in his ultimate predatory form. After the final whistle, they went on an impromptu lap of honor, such was the significance of the victory for Guardiola.
Newcastle, billed as a Gulf state derby, qualified for the Champions League with money from their Saudi Arabian owners, with Guardiola calling their summer contracts «perfect» for their system. But it's a long way to get closer to City, who can win the match in many ways.
«I think there's room for improvement in that evidence,» Howe said. «Overall I'm a bit disappointed because we know we can be better.»
There are similarities between the two takeovers, most notably Dan Ashworth's astute work in the transfer market, comparable to that of Brian Marwood after the City takeover in Abu Dhabi. But it was early days at Newcastle and they faced a winning machine that, even without De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, had won two out of two early in the campaign.
“That's proof. The reason why we have won a lot is because of the mindset and mentality of this group of players, which is amazing every time and surprises me every time,” Guardiola said. «The conditions we arrived in, the many injuries and no rest, and the way they ran and the dedication of everyone was amazing.»
Guardiola described the kick-off at 20:00 as a great time to enjoy beer and football, and Julián Alvarez's goal was Etihad's toast. It was created by Foden, who was served by Mateo Kovacic and had to find the right option when he carried the ball into the penalty area. His cut prompted Álvarez to go on goal, with the Argentine striker making one touch before shooting into the top corner, kissing the post along the way.
Pep Guardiola explains why a Manchester City fan interrupted him
“A player like Kev is very hard to replace. He is one of the best in the world. When you miss such a player, it's a very big blow. When we get active, we also do our job,” said Foden.
“I feel like I created quite a few chances for Erland. He was unlucky not to score. I played more inside. You create more centrally. I am pleased with my performance. I want to continue in this direction with the high standards I have set for myself.”
Guardiola did not use substitutions and the players were clearly running out of gas in the last 20 minutes. This led one of his fans to criticize his handling of the game. «He asked me to make substitutions and I asked him which ones,» Guardiola said.
The City manager also wore a jersey in honor of Italian manager Carlo Mazzone, who died at the age of 86. “Mr Mazzone was my manager in Brescia. During the difficult period in Italy, when I arrived, he was my father,” said Guardiola. «Italian football legend has passed away.»
Lineups — Premier League 23/24 — Manchester City — Newcastle United
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