READY FOR A FOTO FINISH
Hat-trick hero Phil says every game’s a cup final for City
PHIL FODEN has warned that Manchester City will fight all the way to retain their Premier League crown, adding: “Every game now is like a final.”
England midfielder Foden scored a hat-trick in City’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa in midweek, taking his season’s tally to a career-best 21.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain on course for a repeat of last season’s treble triumph, with Foden warning Liverpool and Arsenal they will have to battle to the end in the league.
“It’s out of our hands,” said Foden about the thrilling title race. “But we can keep putting the pressure on and you never know what could happen.
“We have to keep the belief up, take it game by game, try and win them all and see where it takes us. You have to win every game and can’t afford to drop points now. Every single game is a final for us.
“There are so many games around the corner and we have to keep going and think about the next one.
“We’ve got a very, very talented squad and players on the bench can make the difference when they come on. We’re going to need the full squad, give it our all and try our best. We have to keep fighting until the end.”
Foden hailed the win over Villa as one of City’s most complete performances this season, coming on the back of Sunday’s
0-0 draw with title rivals Arsenal.
“We’re feeling good and really delighted,” said Foden. “The performance was very high.
There’s a lot of positives we can take. We controlled the full game against a very good side.
“Our reaction to losing the ball was the most important thing. It was hard to break them down in the first half but we found the goals in the end.”
Foden’s hat-trick included a first-half free-kick through a wall of Villa players, with the City match-winner claiming he was surprised to see the ball end up in the net. “A mix of different goals” said Foden. “I don’t really take free-kicks so I was surprised to put that one away.
“I’m just enjoying my football and helping the team. I’m happiest when I’m scoring so hopefully I can keep it up.”
Foden reserved special praise for City winger Jeremy Doku, who he described as “frightening” on the ball.
“He was very good,” said Foden. “I thought he was frightening – he’s so dangerous one versus one and helped us massively to beat the full-back.
“He’s a fantastic talent and he’s only going to keep on getting better working under Pep (Guardiola). I’m delighted for him – he performed really well.”
Before City travel to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday they visit Crystal Palace tomorrow. The Eagles held them to a draw in December.