Phil Foden started in Manchester City’s latest 2-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth.
Foden has now made back-to-back starts in the Premier League for the first time this season against Southampton and Bournemouth.
The Manchester City technician started on the right-wing in the first half, despite Bernardo Silva’s presence in the side, who was playing in midfield.
The pair were seemingly instructed to swap positions in the second half by Pep Guardiola.
The 24-year-old came close to scoring against Bournemouth in the dying embers of the contest as his effort from in and around the box was inches away from levelling the scoreline.
Foden is yet to open his account for City in the league this campaign.
Phil Foden reacts to Man City’s loss to Bournemouth
On a day where Manchester City served up a dull attacking display for the away support at the Vitality Stadium for the most part, the six-time Premier League winner was one of the best players on the pitch.
The decorated attacker seemed like City’s only spark going forward alongside Matheus Nunes, who was deployed as a left-winger.
Foden took to his Instagram story to send a message to Manchester City supporters after his side succumbed to a shock defeat at the hands of Bournemouth.
“Not our best yesterday. Heads up and go again in the Champions League.”
“Class support from the fans who made the long journey! Thank you.”
Nathan Ake echoed Foden’s message by admitting that the Premier League winners were far from their best on Saturday.
The Dutch international captioned his Instagram post: “Not good enough today. Recover and be back better.”
Erling Haaland’s Instagram message after Bournemouth’s win was similar to the City academy graduate as well in terms of stressing how key it is for his side to keep working.
Foden stats vs Bournemouth
Foden will be looking to rediscover his form from last season as he is starting to get consistent minutes again.
The Manchester City poster-boy might still not have found his rhythm due to a slow start to the campaign.
However, sooner rather than later, Foden is expected to step up for City once again. Here are the treble-winner’s statistics from his outing against Bournemouth.
| FODEN STATS VS BOURNEMOUTH | |
| EXPECTED GOALS | 0.35 |
| EXPECTED ASSISTS | 0.69 |
| BIG CHANCES CREATED | 1 |
| KEY PASSES | 1 |
| ACCURATE PASSES | 39/44 (89%) |
| SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES | 1/2 |
The Englishman’s numbers suggest that he was lively but not at his scintillating best.
As Foden stated, Manchester City’s contest against Sporting CP in the Champions League gives them the chance to bounce back from their two-game losing streak.
The Sky Blues dressing room seem up for the challenge.
Foden is an experienced player and he must be aware of how to help his boyhood club return to their best in the face of adversity like after Saturday’s result.
