‘Frustrated’ Foden Proves Point With Match-Winning Brace vs Leeds

‘Frustrated’ Foden Wanted to Prove ‘I Can Still Score Goals’

Phil Foden returned to the scoresheet in style as his brace earned Manchester City a thrilling 3-2 win over Leeds United, keeping Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League title race.

The 25-year-old midfielder struck inside 59 seconds — City’s earliest Premier League goal at the Etihad since David Silva in 2019 — and netted a dramatic 91st-minute winner after Leeds had staged a second-half comeback.

“I was so hungry to play today,” said Foden. “Not to prove to anyone else but to prove to myself that I can still score goals.”

The England international, who had scored just once in the league before Saturday, admitted to recent frustration but was delighted to respond with two vital goals.

Foden Steps Up Amid Title Pressure

With Arsenal four points clear atop the Premier League, Foden’s heroics were crucial to keeping City’s title hopes alive.

“It was a frustrating half,” Foden said of City’s second-half struggles.

“But when we had a short break, the manager got us together to adapt… I finally managed to find a bit of space and get my shot off.”

Foden’s decisive winner came after Leeds had drawn level at 2-2 through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, exploiting City’s defensive lapses.

Guardiola and Tuchel Praise Foden’s Central Role

Phil Foden has now scored six goals for Manchester City across all competitions this season

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his academy graduate:

“Phil has to be around the box. His finishing is so quick. He’s doing a really good season.”

Foden’s upturn in form also supports England manager Thomas Tuchel’s recent claim that he is more effective centrally than on the wing.

“Phil scores and assists more from the 18-yard box,” Tuchel said.

“He should have a central role that will bring out his strengths most.”

England Implications: World Cup in Sight?

With Euro 2026 preparations under way, Foden’s sparkling form may force Tuchel into a tactical rethink. Despite being recalled to the England squad, Foden only played substitute roles in recent matches against Serbia and Albania.

But with continued form like Saturday’s, a place alongside Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham might become unavoidable.

Expert Reaction: “Phenomenal”

• Chris Sutton called Foden’s winner a “wonderful piece of individual skill.”

• Ellen White described him as “phenomenal” and praised his low centre of gravity and sharp finish:

  “It’s beautiful the way he glides with the ball. To whip it into the bottom corner — just outstanding.”

Match Summary: Man City 3-2 Leeds

• 1’: Phil Foden opens the scoring (1-0)

• 41’: Josko Gvardiol doubles the lead (2-0)

• 46’: Calvert-Lewin pulls one back (2-1)

• 78’: Lukas Nmecha equalises (2-2)

• 90+1’: Foden fires home winner (3-2)

Analysis: Title Race Alive, City Resilient

City, who lost to Newcastle last week, showed both fragility and character in bouncing back. With Chelsea vs Arsenal looming, Guardiola’s side will hope for favours elsewhere to remain within reach of the summit.

“A title race is never straightforward,” said Foden. “The belief and togetherness came through in the end.”