Phil Foden hits back at his critics with Derby day goal

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden scored the opening goal of City's 3-0 win over United and after the game took a dig at some recent critics of his performances over the last 12 months.

Many Pundits have criticised Foden's form over the past 12 months and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright even suggested that Foden may need to leave his boyhood club in order to 'find his joy' in football again.

But today the 25-year-old from Stockport showed the world how much City means to him through his celebration and overall performance. In his post-match interview he made it clear that he has heard the recent comments about him.

"Everything I see at the minute is negative, but that's the world we live in when playing at the highest level. It's about reading those comments and reacting as best as I can to get back to my level."

Last season's struggles

By all accounts Foden didn't have his best season last year, especially considering that the year before he was the best player in the league and pretty much single handedly led City to their fourth successive Premier League trophy.

Last season Foden only scored seven league goals which was a significant drop off from the year before where he scored 19. Seven was actually his lowest total since 2019/20 where he got five goals but only started nine games that season.

He struggled in terms of fitness last year as well, starting just 20 league games compared to 33 the year before and he missed around 10 games due to different illnesses and injuries which halted any momentum he gathered.

🎯 pic.twitter.com/04XyWlvpqr

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2025

Is Foden back?

It seems way too early to ask these sorts of questions, but after a performance like that in a derby when City needed someone to perform, it's one that will be asked.

Giving a judgement would be premature though but the main thing for Manchester City fans and for Pep Guardiola is that Foden showed just what he is capable if he can stay fit for long periods of time.

These types of performances will be needed from the 25-year-old to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne, who City will face on Thursday in the Champions League.

Record against Manchester United

As a boyhood Man City fan, Foden always seems to have that something extra about him on a derby day and this time was no different.

With his goal today he now has seven league goals in 12 appearances against United in the Premier League, including a hat trick in 2022 in a 6-3 win.

As well as it being derby day, Foden did also speak on his extra motivation to win today after the news of Ricky Hatton's death.

"“100%, I had extra motivation. It was for him and his family. It was all for him and we are delighted with the result.”

Guardiola's comments

After the game Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the man he once described as 'the best young player' that he'd ever seen.

"He (Foden) played incredible. He is a guy who loves to arrive at the box. Our last Premier League title he was the best player in the Premier League. We need him so much."

Pep went on to talk about Foden's sense of goal in and around the box and his ability to work in tight spaces in and around the area which creates space for Erling Haaland inside the box.

Guardiola even said that from what he has seen lately of Foden at training and on the pitch that 'we will see the best Phil.'

If Pep's prediction is right then it will be a huge boost for a side that has big games against Napoli and Arsenal to come within the space of the next seven days.