Guardiola full of praise for 20-year-old goal-scorer as City goes third
LONDON: Phil Foden was the hero yesterday as Manchester City beat Brighton & Hove Albion 10 to climb to third in the English Premier League.
Foden put City ahead just before halftime and though Raheem Sterling missed a penalty in time added on, the home side held on for its seventh consecutive win in all competitions.
City is now four points behind leader Manchester United and one behind Liverpool, with a game in hand on both.
Tottenham remains sixth, though, after dropping points in a 11 draw with thirdbottom Fulham.
City manager Pep Guardiola admitted Brighton made life tough for his team.
‘‘We had a really good first half and had chances. After we missed a really clear chance in the second half they were better,’’ he said.
‘‘We need to win these sort of games. It is a good lesson for us. Every game will be like this.’’
Yet again, Foden showed his worth, the England midfielder scoring the only goal into the bottom corner after finding space.
And even a missed penalty, when Sterling blasted over the bar after Kevin De Bruyne was fouled, did not take away from Guardiola’s pleasure, especially with Foden.
‘‘Phil Foden is 20 years old. Look at the stats,’’ Guardiola said.
‘‘The amount of games, the assists compared to the bigger stars in football. Can play both sides, in the middle as a false nine. He is so clever in front of goal. That is why he deserves to play.’’
Brighton remains 17th, two points above the relegation zone, but manager Graham Potter was encouraged by his side’s performance.
‘‘We are disappointed to come away with nothing,’’ he said.