➟ Phil Foden being the best player of the match for Manchester City

With a goal and an assist in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, Phil Foden had a standout performance in their first Champions League victory of the year. Foden made the most of his second start of the season, having struggled to rediscover his form from the previous campaign, when he was named PFA Player of the Season. With a deflected shot in the eighth minute, Ilkay Gundogan gave City a good start and scored his first goal since rejoining the team.

Foden scored his first goal of the season with a calm finish into the bottom corner just seven minutes later. After Jeremy Doku, Foden, and Gundogan struck the woodwork three times, City maintained their lead. Shortly before the hour, Erling Haaland scored quietly for his eleventh goal of the year. In the 74th minute, Foden then set up James McAtee, a substitute, for his first goal for City, causing manager Pep Guardiola to show his happiness for the youthful midfield player.

“We’re all very happy for him,” Guardiola remarked of McAtee. “We want him to feel like he can play and is a member of that group.” Even though Slovan Bratislava was thrilled to be hosting the defending Premier League winners, they were unable to stop City’s might the whole game. After drawing with Inter Milan in their initial match, City’s triumph was their first under the new Champions League system.

Phil Foden, who is still recovering from illness and injuries, hopes that this encounter will help him get off to a strong start in his season. Ilkay Gundogan’s performance demonstrated his ability. Guardiola said, “Step by step he’s coming back,” in acknowledgment of Foden’s steady comeback.