Phil Foden showcased his talent by scoring and providing an assist in Manchester City’s convincing 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, marking their first Champions League win of the season.
The England midfielder, who had not yet found his rhythm this season after being named PFA Player of the Season last year, made the most of just his second start. The match began with Ilkay Gundogan scoring with a deflected shot in the eighth minute, followed closely by Foden, who netted his first goal of the campaign with a composed finish into the bottom corner just seven minutes later.
City continued to assert their dominance, hitting the woodwork three times through Jeremy Doku, Foden, and Gundogan. Erling Haaland then added to the scoreline just before the hour mark, skillfully maneuvering past goalkeeper Dominik Takac to slot in his 11th goal of the season.
Foden completed his impressive performance by cleverly assisting substitute James McAtee, who scored his first goal for the club in the 74th minute. “We are all so happy for him,” City boss Pep Guardiola praised the 21-year-old. “He’s an adorable guy, and everyone loves him. This will give him a boost and help him feel like he belongs to this group.”
Despite some heroic saves from Slovan’s goalkeeper Takac, City secured their first victory in the newly revamped Champions League format after previously drawing against Inter Milan at home.
Dominance on Display in Routine Win
Slovan Bratislava, making their Champions League debut after successfully navigating eight qualifying matches, aimed to celebrate the occasion against the reigning Premier League champions. A spectacular light show preceded the kick-off, with eager fans cheering and dancing in the stands. They nearly had a dream start when Marko Tolic’s shot skimmed just wide of the far post, but that was as close as they would get to a goal.
From that moment on, the match was largely one-sided as City overwhelmed their hosts. Guardiola rotated his squad, making six changes from the team that drew with Newcastle, and the adjustments paid off.
The standout performances came from Gundogan and Foden. Gundogan, celebrating his upcoming 34th birthday and wearing the captain’s armband for the first time since the club’s victorious 2023 Champions League final, scored with a deflected strike—his first goal since scoring in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. He could have netted more, hitting the bar with a powerful effort and being denied by an excellent save from Takac.
Foden will be hoping this performance sparks a resurgence in form. Having faced injury and illness earlier in the season, Foden had spent much time on the bench. However, Guardiola remained confident in his abilities. “He still is not at his best,” the City manager noted, “but step by step he is coming back.”
With signs of the Foden who dazzled last season—when he scored 27 goals across all competitions—fans will be optimistic about his return to form.
Credit: BBC Sport
