Pep Guardiola gives brutal Phil Foden review despite Man of the Match display

Pep Guardiola was underwhelmed by Phil Foden’s performance at Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola felt Phil Foden ‘was not good’ in Manchester City ’s 3-0 win at Crystal Palace , despite the England star winning Man of the Match.

Foden scored the second goal of the game at Selhurst Park, with Erling Haaland opening and completing the scoring.

The Eagles had chances and a three-goal defeat felt a little harsh, but it was a very solid and impressively ruthless display from Manchester City, who are looking more serious title challengers than they were earlier in the season.

Foden told Sky Sports of his performance: ‘I’ve been in great form in the Premier League recently and I’m delighted to keep that going.’

However, Guardiola was not so delighted, criticising the 25-year-old for giving the ball away too much in south London .

‘I know people may think differently but I think Phil today was not good, he didn’t play at his best,’ said Guardiola. ‘He lost a lot of balls, he was in a rush with decisions and was so anxious.

‘He has to keep the ball and be associated with the other ones and in the right moments make explosions that only he has in terms of goals and assists.

Pep Guardiola is a difficult man to impress (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Before he arrives there, he has to be more calm. But he wants to do it well and sometimes he makes situations not clear but Phil in terms of work ethic defensively, how he presses, how he comes back, he is incredible.

‘Even with my opinion today, one of the best at the end was Phil. He ran maybe the most in the team and scored a goal because close to the box he was unbelievable.

‘He has a lot of margin to understand the game. He will not improve this incredible quality because it is top but understanding the game, the way you have certain moments, the way you have to accelerate or decelerate, just the timing of the tempo he will give it. Everyone has a margin to improve. Everyone.’

Foden scored his ninth goal of the season in all competitions (Picture: Getty Images)

Foden did accept that he made mistakes in possession during the win, seemingly agreeing with his manager on his performance.

Adam Wharton is yet to get off the mark for the Eagles (Picture: Getty Images)

Erling Haland was lethal yet again (Picture: Getty Images)