After he opened the scoring, Phil Foden would have perhaps expected Manchester City to comfortably beat Sporting CP.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side staged an incredible comeback spearheaded by Viktor Gyokeres while Maximiliano Araujo also added to City’s woes on the day.
Pep Guardiola commented on Manchester City’s loss to Sporting by admitting that unlike against AFC Bournemouth, his side played well but admitted the penalties they conceded were needless.
Guardiola expresses his hunger to fix Manchester City’s issues after their latest humbling and ruled out his prospects as the next Brazil manager.
With his latest strike, Foden equalled Ronaldinho’s goal tally (18) in the Champions League — as per Squawka Live.
But not only due to Manchester City’s defeat but also the manner of it, the 24-year-old perhaps had no interest in celebrating such a feat.
How Phil Foden reacted to Man City losing to Ruben Amorim’s Sporting
The six-time Premier League winner would have especially been keen on putting in a statement display on Tuesday.
Being a boyhood City supporter, the decorated midfielder would have especially been eyeing a victory against the incoming Manchester United boss.
With Manchester City getting annihilated by Sporting, Foden sent a message to the travelling fans on Instagram.
“A difficult night. Grateful for the travelling fans making the journey and for the support. Brighton up next.”
Foden has been Manchester City’s best player in the Champions League this season, with three goals and an assist to his name in three games.
In the first half, the silky technician was one of City’s liveliest players as well.
Foden stats vs Sporting
The Stockport-born attacker will be hoping that his side turn their fortunes around in their upcoming fixtures.
The versatile goalscorer seemed up for Manchester City’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion, judging by his message on Instagram. Here are Foden’s statistics after his latest outing against Sporting.
| FODEN STATS VS SPORTING | |
| GOALS | 1 |
| KEY PASSES | 3 |
| ACCURATE PASSES | 54/55 (98%) |
| TOUCHES | 74 |
| LONG BALLS | 2/2 |
The Englishman’s numbers indicate that he was a bright spark for Manchester City against the Portuguese giants.
But ultimately, Foden’s efforts went to waste as City were far top vulnerable on the break.
As one of Manchester City’s main men, the treble-winner will be looking to take the responsibility of helping his side rediscover their best form moving forward.
