Phil Foden’s brace sealed Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, November 29. Manchester City won the game 3-2, with Josco Gvardiol scoring the other goal.

The victory moved City into second place with 25 points from 13 games. Arsenal are still comfortably ahead of them but picking up three points against Leeds United is vital for City in the Premier League title race.

Phil Foden’s recovery from injury could not have come at a better time

During Manchester City’s match against Leeds United, Manchester City made a large number of crosses into the opponent’s penalty area. Foden received such a cross and gave Manchester City the lead. Matheus Nunes bursts into the penalty area from the right-back position and then passes the cross to Foden.

The 25-year-old England midfielder then scored in stoppage time when Leeds looked set to exit the tournament with a draw. Foden has played 17 games for City this season, scoring six goals. After a forgettable 2024/25 season, the Englishman is slowly returning to his best form.

His second goal on Saturday showed his undeniable quality as a player. He dribbled past several opposing defenders in a small space and shot with his left foot, giving the Leeds United goalkeeper no chance.

Phil Foden’s brace helped the home side win the game, showing their ability to continue to attack. Jeremy Doku had another great game on the left wing. Bernardo Silva, who started on the right wing, kept dropping back, providing Nunez with the opportunity to charge forward.

Overall, Manchester City performed well. However, the manner in which they allowed Leeds to return to the game must have worried Guardiola.

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Foden’s form is a necessary condition for Manchester City to achieve good results

Foden’s form is crucial for Manchester City to do well. Erling Haaland has been outstanding this season and has scored 19 goals. However, City Citizens need at least one attacking player to step up and Guardiola hopes Foden is that player.

Foden has played over 300 games for Manchester City so far in his highly successful career, scoring 106 goals. At 25 years old, he should have entered the peak of his playing career. It’s also time for him to take on the responsibility as a senior player on the team.

After Manchester City’s 3-2 win against Leeds United, the City Citizens face Fulham and Sunderland in their next two Premier League games. Next up they face Real Madrid in an important Champions League match.

In this case, Foden’s form will continue to be crucial for Manchester City. The young Englishman must play his part and ensure his side don’t drop too many points to keep the pressure on Arsenal and Chelsea.

As of now, the Premier League title race looks like a three-way tie. If Manchester City wants to stay among them, Foden’s form is crucial. Phil Foden’s brace against Sunderland once again demonstrated how important his contribution is.

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Credit: IMAGO/Visionhaus

Record date: November 29, 2025