Phil Foden was named last year's PFA Player of the Year but his time in Pep Guardiola's starting lineup should be over after another ineffective display in Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. His manager's patience is running out amid a fall from grace this season.
The 24-year-old has failed to replicate his mesmerizing performances from last season, which saw him bag 19 goals and eight assists in 35 Premier League games. It was undoubtedly his best season to date, but he's headed for the chop following City's defeat to Forest, where he failed to impose himself on the game.
Callum Hudson-Odoi grabbed the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute, firing past Ederson at his near post to give Nuno Espirito Santo's men all three points. It was a damaging defeat for the Cityzens, and Guardiola may now need to wield the axe on Foden, who he previously hailed as 'the most talented player' he's ever come across.
Guardiola Must Get Tough With Out-Of-Form Foden
The England international was quiet throughout at the City Ground
Foden is one of English football's most celebrated talents but he's struggling to live up to that moniker this season, with his Forest showing summing up a nosedive from his stellar 2023-24 campaign. While he has managed a respectable seven goals and two assists in 24 league games, he hasn't displayed the domineering creativity and game-changing talent of last year.
The six-time Premier League champion lasted 69 minutes before Guardiola changed things, bringing on Kevin De Bruyne. He didn't manage a single shot, won his one ground duel and lost possession on six occasions with a lacklustre outing that has become all too familiar this season.
gms_Foden_080325
Foden's enormous talent is why many expect to see more from him, and a spell on the substitutes' bench will give him a fresh mindset to reignite his form. He recently blamed a poor season on mental fatigue, suggesting Gareth Southgate's decision to start him 'out of position' on the left at Euro 2024 was 'frustrating'.
A creative gem of the City academy graduate's ilk should be adaptable enough to thrive on either wing. He's shown he can do it before with five goals and four assists in 16 league games from the left wing in 2022-23. There's no excuse for his ineffectiveness against Forest, as he played in one of the 10 roles alongside Bernardo Silva.
Journalist Highlights Foden Confidence Issue
Fans claim City ace isn't 'good enough' after Forest loss
Phil Foden
Foden's uninspired performances have been put down to a lack of confidence, especially given some of his decision-making when he was so decisive last season with the ball at his feet. Sam Lee of The Athletic responded to the Cityzens forward's struggles during the Forest defeat:
"Foden looks short of confidence imo... there was a chance a few mins ago to drive into space/the box but he just gave it wide to Doku for the same thing to happen that has been happening all day."
Fans have also noticed a drop off this season and vented their frustrations on social media in response to his performance at the City Ground. One fan wrote, "Foden with yet another stinker", while another's verdict was that he "needs to understand he's not good enough to play in the middle."
Foden's quiet displays had been met with little noise until recently and one fan pointed out how much of a passenger he was "another Foden ghost sesh that game, not a peep" while one fan wanted the Stockport-born attacking midfielder to 'leave my club'. There's little chance of that happening given he's one of Europe's most talented playmakers but he is definitely risking his place in Guardiola's XI.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 08/03/2025.
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