After enjoying the finest season of his City career yet in 2023/24, Foden was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
Following a delayed return this summer in the wake of his exertions at EURO 2024 with finalists England, Foden’s start to the new season was then affected by a bout of illness which forced him to miss several games along with September’s internationals.
However, now fully rested and recovered, the 24-year-old came on from the bench in Wednesday’s opening Champions League fixture at home to Internazionale.
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And ahead of Sunday’s huge Etihad match-up with last season’s runners-up, the City boss spoke of his pleasure at Foden’s return and highlighted his importance to the City cause.
“Every player needs a break and rest,” Pep pointed out.
“Phil had some disturbance in last few weeks but played a good 45 minutes in midweek and he was the best player last season and now he is fighting to be back.
“His intensity and his movement in the pockets... he is one of the best in the world.
“You can imagine how pleased I am to have him back.”
Last season’s league encounter between City and Arsenal proved tight, highly contested affairs.
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The Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 win at the Emirates in October whilst the two sides then fought out a goalless draw at the Etihad in March.
And looking ahead to Sunday’s latest match-up, the City boss said he was anticipating another intense and hard-fought contest and pointed to Arsenal’s impressive quality at the back.
“To score goals you have to score in many aspects, and [from] set pieces is not easy,” Guardiola added.
“They are taller than us, they are quick on transitions, and they are so strong defensively.
“They have incredible runners in the channels and Gabriel and Saliba are focused on Erling all the time. That’s why it’s difficult to attack them
“In 2024 they didn’t lose away. It’s not just one or two games, they are consistent and they don’t concede goals.
“I am looking forward and every game is a chance to play better and do it better than the game before.
“When the opponents play better always you have a chance to improve.”
