Pep Guardiola emphasized Phil Foden\'s crucial role in Manchester City\'s title ambitions following the England midfielder\'s goal-scoring return in Sunday\'s 3-0 derby victory over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
Foden opened the scoring and contributed to City\'s second goal in his first start of the season. The 25-year-old had struggled last campaign after scoring 27 goals across all competitions in 2023-24, prompting him to skip England duty in June for rest.
Guardiola acknowledged Foden\'s absence significantly impacted City\'s previous season. The manager highlighted the midfielder\'s title-winning contribution two seasons ago against West Ham.
\"We missed him so much last season. We need him so much,\" Guardiola said. \"We cannot forget two seasons ago when we won the last game against West Ham [to win the title] he was the most important player of the Premier League.
\"He was maybe the key player to win that league. Last season for injuries, for other reasons he could not be with us.\"
The derby victory provided City with momentum after suffering back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton before the international break. Guardiola\'s team moved back into the Premier League\'s top half with the dominant performance.
City face a crucial week ahead with Champions League action against Napoli on Thursday followed by a Premier League clash at Arsenal on Sunday. The manager remains cautious despite the encouraging derby result.
\"It\'s just one game. We have to prove,\" Guardiola said. \"But it\'s true that winning games, especially in the derby, and seeing the faces of all the fans -- all the joy and all the happiness after the game -- is always better.\"
Guardiola expressed confidence that Foden will gradually return to peak form, noting the special significance of derby matches for the lifelong City supporter.
Via Rob Dawson/ESPN