Phil Foden scored for Manchester City against Ipswich on Saturday, ending a run of 35 games without a goal for the club. The drought had lasted more than 10 months and followed two England appearances that may have cost him a place at the World Cup.
City manager Enzo Maresca had predicted Foden would score. "With Phil I said many times, I know him from years ago, for me he's one of the best Premier League players," Maresca said. "And since day one it's my duty to help him to again be one of the best players."
Foden's route back to regular first-team football may come in other positions. He began on the right at Old Trafford and could provide competition for Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye. With Erling Haaland needing rest and Semenyo injured against Ipswich, Foden could be slated to lead the line in Tuesday's Champions League game against AEK Athens.
Foden said the goal lifted a weight. "I was definitely due one," he said. "I have missed quite a few big chances this season. It's been eating me alive so [it was] good to score." Maresca added: "I'm very happy for his goal, and hopefully it can be just the beginning of many goals and good performances."