Phil Foden achieves career-best feat in Man City win vs Napoli, one stat especially will thrill Pep Guardiola
Phil Foden’s return to form continued on Thursday as Manchester City defeated Napoli 2-0 in their Champions League opener.
In the Etihad Stadium club’s last Premier League game, Foden scored his first goal of the campaign as Man City beat rivals Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday, 14 September.
The 25-year-old went on to produce an assist when Pep Guardiola’s side beat Napoli on 18 September, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku.
Now that Man City have enjoyed a successful start to their Champions League campaign, they will strive to continue their strong form in a mouthwatering Premier League clash at Arsenal on Sunday, 21 September.
Phil Foden created eight chances vs Napoli, more than in any other game of his Man City career
In recent fixtures, Guardiola has benefited from deploying Foden in an attacking midfield role, whereas he often featured on the wing last term.
The England international has re-paid Guardiola for the faith instilled in him with two goal contributions in his last two games.
Meanwhile, Foden created eight chances in Man City’s Champions League win over Napoli, more than he had ever managed before in a game for the North West club.
Pep Guardiola needs Phil Foden at his best again vs Arsenal
Foden endured poor form last season, scoring just seven goals in the Premier League, having previously excelled when Man City won the top-flight title in 2024.
| Phil Foden stats | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
However, his strong showings against both Man United and Napoli prove that the attacking midfielder has returned to his best, and the number of chances he created against Antonio Conte’s side on 18 September epitomises both his confidence and his class.
Guardiola needs the 25-year-old to produce his best football once again when Man City face potential title rivals Arsenal on 21 September at the Emirates Stadium.
Although the Etihad Stadium outfit were clinical in their recent Premier League win over Man United, previous defeats against Tottenham and Brighton have already damaged their title credentials.
However, Guardiola’s side will be deemed a serious threat by top-flight rivals like Liverpool, who boast a 100 per cent winning record, if they beat Arsenal away from home.