‘Phil Foden fumes at Erling Haaland as Man City star shocks in Southampton draw’
Phil Foden was seemingly ready to lock horns with his striker teammate as Man City were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Southampton.
Erling Haaland was kept to just 17 touches at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, 10 May, as the Norwegian star went without a goal contribution for just the third time in 13 matches across all competitions (FotMob).
Pep Guardiola’s side being unable to break the deadlock against the already-relegated Saints meant losing a streak of five consecutive victories, with Champions League qualification on the line.
Arsenal, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are all fighting for a top-five finish this season, with just two matches remaining of the 2024/25 league campaign.
Now, it appears that the pressure at the Etihad Stadium is getting to the players, and especially Foden, who has continuously been slated by the Man City faithful throughout the season, while Ruben Dias also lost his cool post-match at Southampton.
Erling Haaland frustrates as Man City fail at St Mary’s
Writing for the Daily Mail (11 May), Jack Gaughan highlighted the England star’s behaviour on the South coast: “Foden, meanwhile, just looks bereft of confidence and his throwing of arms when Haaland failed to connect with an inviting cross painted the picture of a man who needs a break.”
The England international more often than not finds himself stuck on the bench now, last scoring in the 3-1 win over Chelsea back in January, and not assisting since the Plymouth Argyle clash in March.
| Phil Foden v Southampton | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 76 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Shot accuracy | 0% (0/2) |
| Accurate crosses | 29% (2/7) |
| Ground duels won | 50% (3/6) |
Having only successfully delivered 29% of his crosses during the clash, the midfielder will feel that Haaland was at fault rather than another disappointing display from himself.
Football Insider understands that Foden could be set for a new Man City role as replacements for Kevin De Bruyne are researched, but confidence in the 24-year-old will be diminishing very quickly.
Pep Guardiola to start afresh after major summer of change
Football Insider verdict
Guardiola has been under immense pressure from City fans this season, with many frustrated with one of the team’s worst performances since the Catalan’s arrival in 2016.
The owners splashed the cash during the winter transfer window in an attempt to turn the season around, bringing exciting talents in Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov to the club.
However, having been knocked out of both the Champions League and EFL Cup at early stages, and qualification for the elite European competition not yet guaranteed, it is just not good enough.
Many of those same frustrated fans will be expecting a complete squad overhaul this summer, which is set to start with Kevin De Bruyne leaving Man City once his contract expires.
Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Jack Grealish have all been linked with exits, and a new makeup of the team might be needed to kick Foden into gear once the new campaign begins.