Fans online believe they have figured out why Phil Foden was seen laughing after Manchester City conceded a goal in their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday. Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha gave Thomas Frank's side an impressive victory to send them, momentarily at least, to the top of the Premier League.
Foden was back on the City bench, coming on in the last quarter of an hour to try and spark a late fightback unsuccessfully. But it was a moment after Palhinha had doubled the visitors' lead that sent social media into a frenzy, with Foden caught laughing moments after the strike. Now, a potential explanation has been given.
Foden's Laugh Explained
While the timing of the laugh being caught on camera may have led some to believe that the England international was laughing at his own side's disappointing first-half display or the error from the under-pressure James Trafford that gifted Palhinha the chance to make it two, especially as teammates Jeremy Doku, Ederson, Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov looked frustrated and upset. However, it appears there may have been another explanation.
As Spurs doubled their advantage, the away end began to sing "Champions of Europe, we know what we are," which seems to have been what prompted the chuckle from Foden.
Of course, Tottenham won last season's Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. And while that is a major European trophy, such a proclamation is usually saved for when clubs win the top prize the continent has to offer — the Champions League.
City and Foden won the Champions League in 2023, and it appeared that the comments being made from the Spurs fans were too much for Foden to contain, with several online pointing the same thing out.
"Foden just laughing at them for singing 'Champions of Europe,'" said one, while another added: "Phil Foden couldn’t believe his ears when he heard Spurs fans singing 'Champions of Europe we know who we are.'"
A Tottenham fan also chimed in defending his fellow supporters by rebutting: "So why is Foden laughing at the Champions of Europe chant? Are we wrong?" Yet, the general consensus was that the Englishman was within his right to laugh at the chant, according to those on social media.
Unfortunately for the playmaker, it would be Spurs that had the last laugh come the full-time whistle. The 25-year-old's introduction to proceedings could change nothing, despite the fact he did find himself with a golden opportunity to score before Micky van de Ven saved the day with an incredible piece of last-ditch defending.