Two goals apiece from Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne, plus an Ilkay Gundogan tap-in, helped Pep Guardiola‘s men get back to winning ways after our 28-game unbeaten run was brought to an end at the weekend.
Victory over the Saints also extended our lead at the top of the Premier League to 14 points, and Foden believes it was essential for him and the players to find an immediate response after a rare setback.
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“It was really important to get back on track today,” the midfielder reflected after the game.
“It wasn’t nice losing the Derby, but we rolled our sleeves up and got back to winning ways.”
“I felt like Southampton started really well with the high press and made it very hard for us.
“Fair play, I thought they gave it a really good try.”
Foden has proven that he is capable of operating right across the midfield this season, whether it be as a winger, a false nine or in a more deep-lying role.
And it was a similar story against Southampton, with the 20-year-old drifting into dangerous areas before teeing up both Mahrez and De Bruyne in a complete performance.
Foden was delighted to make a key contribution to the game, and welcomed the fluidity that Pep Guardiola gives to his players.
He said: “I’ve played in many positions this season, today I changed my roles slightly, I enjoy playing in new roles and it can only make me abetter player.
“I’ve been scoring a lot this season so to get a couple of assists is pleasing.”
One of the first half’s big talking points came when Foden looked to have been brought down by Alex McCarthy after capitalising on a lapse in concentration by the Southampton goalkeeper.
Rather than going to ground, the 20-year-old tried to stay on his feet and, after a VAR review, claims of a penalty were waved away by referee Jon Moss.
While the midfielder didn’t let the decision phase him, he was convinced that he had been fouled.
“I’m an honest guy and I never like to dive, but I tried to stay on my feet.
“I 100% thought it was a penalty, but it happens and you just have to react after that.”
