Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has delivered a stark warning to his teammates, admitting the reigning champions will not lay a glove on Premier League leaders Arsenal unless their performances see immediate and significant improvement.
A Narrow Escape at the Etihad
The England international's stoppage-time winner against a resilient Leeds United side on Saturday spared City's blushes in a match that exposed worrying frailties. Despite establishing an early two-goal lead, Pep Guardiola's side allowed Daniel Farke's men to fight back and equalise, requiring Foden's late heroics to secure a 3-2 victory.
Foden was brutally honest in his post-match assessment, stating plainly that the team's display 'wasn't good enough from start to finish'. The 25-year-old revealed that a tactical timeout with manager Pep Guardiola helped alter the course of the game, even though Leeds managed to equalise just minutes later. "From that moment we spoke to the manager, we changed the way we pressed and played," Foden explained.
Foden's Leadership and Personal Ambition
Highlighting the lack of cohesion on the pitch, Foden described a team operating on different wavelengths. "It was crucial to get together and find the solution," he said. "Some were pressing, some were staying. Even on the ball, we were not in good positions to receive it."
The academy graduate, whose brace proved decisive, believes this performance should act as a catalyst for his own goal-scoring form and for the team's overall standards. Foden's form has been a major positive for City this season as he looks to secure a starting spot in the England lineup ahead of next summer's World Cup.
"I've become more mature," Foden added. "I think now I'm one of the leaders as well. Maybe not as a captain, but on the pitch. I like to see myself as one of the leaders." Having worked with Guardiola for one of the longest periods in the squad, he emphasised his understanding of the manager's demanding standards.
A Title Warning and Looking Ahead
The midfielder's frustration following missed chances in the previous game against Newcastle fuelled his determination against Leeds. "It was eating me up inside a little bit for the last few days, if I'm honest," he confessed. "I just wanted to put it right. Leeds will give me a lot of confidence. I just want to go again now."
However, his personal triumph was overshadowed by a sobering message for the team. Foden issued a clear warning about the consequences of such disjointed performances, especially with the challenge of catching Arsenal. City must recapture their encouraging form from earlier in the month to stand any chance in the title race.
"We have to work on things and get better," Foden insisted, "because when the opponents get better in the later stages of the season, we can't afford to come out like that because we're going to lose the league."
