Phil Foden scored his first Manchester City goal in more than 10 months during Saturday's win over Ipswich, ending a drought that stretched back to December 14.
The 26-year-old was playing his first minutes since a red card at Old Trafford a month ago, but of more significance was finding the net for the first time since a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on December 14. That was so long ago that three of his fellow midfielders that day have left the club, there's a different City manager, a different Prime Minister and bananas were just a fruit we ate rather than a matchday accessory.
Long-Awaited Return to Form
Foden's form in the first half of last season tended to go unnoticed because he actually played pretty well. That goal at Palace was one of six in just five games in a real purple patch. But he tailed off in the second half of the campaign and struggled for starts let alone key contributions.
A goal and a positive performance against Ipswich is not in itself enough to suggest Foden will permanently displace Rayan Cherki in the number 10 role but the signs were certainly encouraging.
Emotional Celebration
Foden took his goal well enough, even if Christian Walton in the Ipswich goal will feel he could have done better, and it was clearly an emotional moment for him to break his scoring duck. He celebrated with clenched fist, a show of appreciation for Jeremy Doku who had provided the assist and then a show of appreciation for the supporters. Foden stood in front of the south stand, pointing at the City badge, another display of unity between club and fanbase.
The goal seemed to liberate the playmaker, who was neat and tidy in possession and made one driving run in support of Haaland early in the second half but the ball wouldn't quite fall for Foden. He seemed to be playing with more freedom and often showed for possession. When Marc Guehi picked up the ball in his defensive third and stretched out his arms in a search for options it was Foden who made a movement to find space to receive the ball and pop a pass off to Josko Gvardiol. The Croat knocked the ball straight out of play but the intent from Foden was there.
Looking Ahead
He was replaced after 77 minutes to a warm reception from the Etihad faithful and will hope to get the chance to start, and score, in front of them again on Tuesday when AEK Athens visit in the Champions League.
"Definitely due one," was Foden's assessment of finding the net on Saturday. He'll feel a whole lot better for getting that goalscoring monkey off his back.
