Phil Foden’s season has taken a noticeable downturn, with the Manchester City and England star struggling to replicate the exceptional form he showcased during the previous campaign. In the 2023/24 season, Foden was one of City’s standout performers, hitting the back of the net 19 times in the Premier League and establishing himself as a vital figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad. However, this year has been far less productive. After 28 league appearances, the midfielder has only managed seven goals, a significant drop that has not gone unnoticed by supporters and pundits alike. Many fans have openly criticized his lack of impact, questioning whether he can regain the consistency that once made him a central figure in City’s attacking play.
Those struggles were on full display during City’s most recent clash against Tottenham Hotspur, a match that ended in disappointment for Guardiola’s side. The reigning champions slumped to a 2-0 defeat, with Tottenham taking control of the contest before halftime. Brennan Johnson broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, his goal standing after a lengthy VAR review overturned the initial offside decision. Just moments before the interval, City were punished again when goalkeeper James Trafford, making his debut, committed a costly mistake. His error allowed Joao Palhinha to pounce and double Spurs’ advantage, leaving City with a mountain to climb.
While City’s performance faltered, attention also turned to Foden’s demeanor on the bench. Cameras captured the 24-year-old laughing shortly after Palhinha’s strike. Reports later suggested that the reason for his amusement was Tottenham fans chanting “Champions of Europe,” a phrase many find ironic since Spurs have never lifted the Champions League trophy. Nevertheless, the sight of Foden smiling in such a difficult moment did not sit well with some supporters, especially when compared with his teammates’ reactions. Jeremy Doku and goalkeeper Ederson looked visibly irritated and serious, showing the contrast in how players respond to high-pressure situations.
After the final whistle, Pep Guardiola sought to take some positives from the game despite the defeat. The Spanish coach defended debutant James Trafford, praising aspects of his performance and stressing the importance of building consistency for the young goalkeeper moving forward. On the other side, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank expressed delight at his team’s display, highlighting the resilience and mentality shift that helped his side stay competitive and ultimately score two decisive goals.
For City, the result marked a sharp drop in form following their emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend. To make matters worse for their title hopes, updated supercomputer predictions suggest Liverpool are clear favorites to lift the 2025/26 Premier League crown. According to the data, Jürgen Klopp’s men hold the strongest chance, while Manchester City’s likelihood of retaining their dominance has been calculated at just 18.8 percent.
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