All 105 words Wayne Rooney said about Phil Foden controversy vs Newcastle on MOTD
Wayne Rooney has delivered a clear assessment of the potential penalty decision involving Phil Foden during Manchester City’s defeat to Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 2-1 at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, as a Harvey Barnes brace sealed three points for the hosts, either side of a deflected Ruben Dias strike.
Eddie Howe has been under pressure at Newcastle in recent weeks after an inconsistent run of Premier League form, but his side’s latest victory has seen them bounce back successfully following back-to-back defeats.
Nevertheless, Guardiola’s team were left feeling aggrieved after Foden was denied a penalty in the 18th minute, and the footage of the incident drew a clear reaction from Rooney during Match of the Day.
Wayne Rooney pulls no punches on ‘clear’ Phil Foden penalty
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively revealed to Football Insider that VAR should have intervened and overturned the Foden decision, as he suggested that it would have been given as a foul anywhere else on the pitch.
Newcastle defender Fabian Schar lunged across to try and prevent the England international from getting a shot away, only for him to appear to catch him on the top of his foot after he had fired at goal.
On-field referee Sam Barrott saw nothing wrong with the challenge, while VAR official Craig Pawson checked the incident and opted to stand by his colleague’s initial call.
However, Manchester United legend Rooney shared a completely different viewpoint while reviewing the footage during his analysis of the game on Match of the Day.
“I think it is (a penalty),” the 40-year-old said during his 105-word assessment.
“It’s good play from Manchester City, (Jeremy) Doku gets into the pocket and plays a lovely ball to Foden. Foden there, you think he’s maybe just snatched at it, but from this angle, you see that he’s stretching for the ball as the defender comes across.
“He (Schar) clearly doesn’t get the ball, and he gets Foden on the top of his foot, so I think that’s a penalty.
“It’s reckless, if you look at the moment of impact, the defender’s leg is straight and it’s studs up. It’s a straight leg and studs on Foden’s foot. I think it’s a clear penalty.”
Newcastle’s win was their first in the league vs Man City since 2019
Newcastle have a torrid record against Manchester City in recent years, but they finally put that behind them on Saturday.
The Magpies’ victory on home turf was their first league triumph over the Citizens since January 2019, when goals from Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie saw them come from behind to win 2-1.
This weekend’s game was just the second defeat for Guardiola’s men in their last 9 league games, and puts a serious dent in their bid to reel in Arsenal at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta’s team take on Tottenham in the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon, and City will certainly be hoping that Spurs can do them a favour.