LONDON (AP) – Phil Foden put Manchester City superstars Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne in the spotlight by scoring a hat trick after falling behind 3-1 at Brentford to lift Manchester City superstars Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne back to form, leaving the champions two points behind Liverpool. A crowded English Premier League summit clash on Monday.
City’s opponents may be able to prevent Haaland from scoring or close down space for King De Bruyne to assist, but there will always be a top-class player somewhere in the team to cause damage.
Foden was the player against Brentford who led City’s recovery after Neal Maupay’s 21st-minute goal late in the game for the hosts.
The England midfielder equalized in first-half stoppage time due to a poor defensive clearance, headed forward in the 53rd minute and completed the second hat-trick of his career with a sharp run and composed finish in the 70th minute.
“This is probably the best form I’ve had in a City shirt in a long time. Long may this continue,” Foden said. His goal tally increased to 14 in all competitions.
Foden has won everything with his boyhood club since coming through the academy but he has not always been a regular. He is now particularly enjoying playing in a central attacking-midfield role – where he is closer to the striker and is more of a goal threat – rather than out on the wing.
Foden said of his preference for a central role, “If I play in one position and learn that position every game it will help.” “I am a person who adapts and plays in many situations when needed. I know that’s what I’m going to do in this Man City team – play in multiple positions – and I need to be prepared.
“I am enjoying playing in the middle. That’s where I see myself playing my best football, so hopefully I keep getting more game time there.
City are riding a familiar winning streak in the second half of the season – five in a row in the league and nine in a row in all competitions since December 27 – and with all of their key players back healthy, top scorer Haaland remains His first start after an injury absence of almost two months.
It makes City favorites for the title once again, with Pep Guardiola’s side having a game in hand on Liverpool and third-placed Arsenal. Only two points separate the top three.
Arsenal are tied with City for third on points, but have a lower goal difference.
Holland was out in the 86th minute. He added to his 14 goals for the campaign – tied for most with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah – but finished third behind Foden, who was thrown a City scarf from the crowd as he celebrated in front of the away fans. . Foden wrapped it around his neck before throwing it back into the supporters.
“He is having his best season since we have been together,” Guardiola said.
City were stunned by Maupay’s goal which came from an unexpected source. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken’s goal kick went straight into the middle of the field, between two defenders troubled by the presence of Ivan Toni and into the path of Maupay.
The French striker headed it home and City were losing to the team that had done the home-and-away double over the champions the previous season.
Foden made sure that would not happen this time, equalizing after Ethan Pinnock’s poor clearing header which went straight to the midfielder. Foden controlled the ball and finished calmly.
De Bruyne, starting for the second consecutive time after his long injury layoff, was dangerous throughout but struggled to find his man in the area, before delivering a pinpoint cross for Foden to score his second goal. His third would soon be a performance that would have excited England coach Gareth Southgate ahead of the European Championship this summer.
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