Manchester City booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating Newcastle United 2-0 – and Micah Richards lauded Phil Foden after the game.
Foden continued his fine form for City, and was able to play a more central role at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
Kevin De Bruyne was unavailable for selection due to a groin injury, and so the England international operated as a number 10 with Bernardo Silva playing on the right.
It was a fine display from the 23-year-old, who was named the official Man of the Match ahead of Bernardo, and branded ‘a joy to watch’ by Danny Murphy, and Richards hailed the academy product post-match…
Micah Richards left amazed by Phil Foden after Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle
This was a very comfortable win in the end for City.
Newcastle did have one or two moments in the game where, had they been more clinical, it could have been a different contest.
But the Magpies had mostly half-chances, and City worked the ball really well and around the final third.
There was an element of luck with the two goals, with both strikes deflected, but City made that luck.
Key to everything was Foden, and Richards did not hold back with the compliments at the end of the game. He said on BBC One: “He’s just immaculate. He does everything right. The big question mark was how could he react when De Bruyne came back into the side. He wasn’t in the side today, but even when De Bruyne has come into the side, his standards have not dropped.
“We talk about that pocket of space, there’s so many Newcastle players but he still finds a way. I just think his all-round game now is just brilliant. Look at that for a touch, it’s just extraordinary. He’s done everything at City in terms of winning trophies but his performances, and to become one of the main men in the team… his movement is a lot better now, he’s taking responsibility. He’s got absolutely everything. Right now his confidence is so high.”
Foden remains City’s key man
With De Bruyne on the sidelines again, it was important for Foden to step up against Newcastle and he certainly did that.
While Bernardo got both goals, it was another stellar display from Foden in the middle, and he just continues to show himself as one of City’s most key players.
It is without doubt the best season of his career, and he is heading for individual awards if he can maintain this level through until the end.
City fans will just hope he stays fit. His injury record up until this point in his career has been very good, so that situation is promising.
