A Manchester City forward is finally easing the burden on Erling Haaland.
For a period, Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve was City’s second top scorer owing to his pair of own goals against the Cityzens. Now, though, Haaland has help. Phil Foden bagged his sixth league goal of the season at the weekend. Rayan Cherki’s rabona cross for the 25-year-old on Saturday stole the headlines.
In this article, we’ll cover:
However, it’s Foden’s return to form that is catching the eye. “Phil is incredible,” said City boss Pep Guardiola. He’s elevated his performances to the level that saw him named Footballer of the Year back in May 2024. Having struggled with England at Euro 2024, and the subsequent season that saw City concede the title for Liverpool, Foden’s now at the forefront of their title push.
Saturday’s 3-0 win over Sunderland saw City move to within two points of league leaders Arsenal. The Gunners crashed to a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa. They’ve now won just two of their last five. The dip has given City a sniff at catching Mikel Arteta’s side. As we’ve seen before, give Guardiola’s side an inch, and they’ll take a mile.
Foden’s change in roles
And for Arsenal fans watching on, they’ve seen how this plays out too many times. What stands out is that Foden is operating to a high standard despite being utilised in a number of roles. Against Fulham in midweek, he started on the right of a 4-3-3. In Saturday’s win over Sunderland, Guardiola dropped onto the left of midfield. The Spaniard was clearly in the festive spirit as he adopted a Christmas tree setup.
As the above passing maps show, Foden still put in masterful attacking displays at the Etihad Stadium and Craven Cottage. Indeed, he was directly involved in two goals and created two chances in the respective victories. Meanwhile, he was heavily involved as City dictated the tempo. Admittedly, Foden was withdrawn on the hour mark against Sunderland, meaning his numbers are a little skewed.
That said, he was generally involved across every area. And it’s this license that means he is able to really influence City’s attacking play. The freedom granted is what is making Foden so effective. While some in the side have a specific role to play, Foden is free to move all across the pitch to pick opponents apart.
As a result, he’s putting up improved numbers compared to last season. Chances created per 90 has risen slightly from 2.2 to 2.3. Shots per 90 are down but passes attempted per 90 have increased from 43.2 to 50.7. Ball recoveries have also gone up from 3.1 to 4.2, as have touches per 90 (61.6, up to 68.6).
Haaland’s importance in Foden resurgence
It’s the latter trio of metrics that are perhaps most telling. Whereas Foden would have previously been restricted to a wider, attacking role, he’s revamped his style to impact games from deep. It perhaps also goes unnoticed just how important Haaland is to Foden’s resurgence.
The Norwegian is the focal point to the City attack. Defences are aware of how impactful Haaland can be, turning a game in his side’s favour in the blink of an eye. As such, defenders naturally look to man-mark Haaland out of a game. Even so, this hasn’t proved a deterrent by any stretch. He’s still scored more goals (15) than any other player in the Premier League this season.
Dabble sign-up offer: Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets
Not signed up to Dabble yet? Here's how to claim the Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets welcome offer:
- Sign up to Dabble through this link
- Register your account with accurate personal details
- Place your first bet of £10 or more
- Receive your £10 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted
- Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days
#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org
Crucially, this drags markers out of position and frees up space in the final third. Foden is one who has been able to capitalise on this additional space. Take his winner against Leeds recently as a prime example. As City pushed for a late goal, Foden was able to ghost into the opposition box unmarked. The Whites backline fell asleep, and the England attacker made them pay.
City striker occupying markers frees up Foden
The role Haaland played in the strike cannot be understated. It was Haaland who was able to pull markers away from the edge of the box as Leeds dropped towards their goal. As City look to their star forward to fire them to victory, opponents will naturally be drawn the Norway international in their hope to limit his impact. So often their efforts are all in vain.
It’s no coincidence that Foden’s downturn saw City sacrifice their title last season. Nor is it that his return to form has seen the Cityzens look more like their former selves. The Foden renaissance is in full flow, and it means City look back to their juggernaut selves. Wrestle their crown back from the Reds, and the attacker’s revival will have been key.