Phil Foden reminded everyone of his undeniable talent during Manchester City's recent clash with Crystal Palace—a performance that felt like a long-awaited return to form for the 24-year-old midfielder.
Foden has netted 10 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions this season, but his last goal came all the way back on December 14 in the reverse fixture against Palace. Since then, he has gone 27 matches without finding the back of the net, a drought that prompted manager Pep Guardiola to relegate him to the bench in recent months. Wednesday's start against Palace was just his third in the last 13 league games and his first since March 4.
"I would say I had a good half season—the first half—and dropped off a bit, then struggled to find my place in the team," Foden admitted. "It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you. So I have had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can, and when you get your moment you have to take it."
While Foden didn't score against Palace, he delivered a masterclass in playmaking. His instinctive pass set up Antoine Semenyo's goal, sparking a wild celebration from Guardiola on the touchline. For the first time since December 2023, Foden provided two assists in a single City game—and remarkably, both came in the first half, making it his first-ever Premier League match with two assists before halftime.
He also created five chances in the opening 45 minutes, the most by any player in the first half of a Premier League game this season. When he was substituted in the 82nd minute for John Stones, the home crowd rose to give him a standing ovation. The appreciation only grew at full-time when he was named man of the match.
This performance was a flashback to the player who won the PFA Player of the Year award just two years ago. Last season, Foden spoke candidly about off-field issues and injuries contributing to a campaign in which he "struggled." Though he hasn't fully fired this season, City's commitment to their homegrown star remains unwavering—the two sides recently agreed on a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
"These types of games, they play the low block—it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal," Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day. "These types of games, the quality makes the difference."
For Foden, patience and persistence are paying off. And for City fans, it's a reminder that their local hero's best is still very much on display.