Having broken goal scoring records galore in previous seasons, Pep Guardiola’s side have found finding the target harder to come by so far this term.
However, Tuesday’s excellent 4-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win at Arsenal was a timely reminder of City’s potent goal-scoring prowess.
But as he looked ahead to Boxing Day’s crucial return to Premier League action at home to Newcastle, Guardiola stressed that scoring goals was a direct consequence of better all-round performances.
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“The goals don’t come as a present from Santa Claus - it comes from your performance,” the City boss stressed.
“Of course, it’s important but it is a consequence. We have to play better.
“That’s what we have to do. We have to restart the way we play.
“That’s what we have to look at. The goals will come after. If they score seven or six, that means how good they are.
“We still have good team spirit and players, with many games to play, many things can happen.”
Amongst the players to find the target at the Emirates was Phil Foden who capped a wonderful night’s work with a superb second half strike.
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Addressing Foden’s own goal potential, the boss hailed the 20-year-old as a ‘joy to watch’ – but stressed the England international was still learning and honing his craft.
“He is one of the most incredible players I have seen at that age. He is so good,” Guardiola added.
“We are in love with this guy.
“I was at Barcelona with the academy and there were incredible players like Phil. They made a long career and they had the mentality that Phil has.
“(How many goals can he score?) A lot, he has an incredible tempo in front of the goalkeeper.
“I would say in front of the keeper he has composure but sometimes not, but it is normal for his age.
“He has something the others don’t have so if he keeps his incredible strengths and improves.
“The important thing is his desire and his commitment. He is a joy to watch in the training sessions and in the games and this is the most important thing.”
Given Foden is still only 20, the England midfielder is still learning and growing as a player all the time.
And Guardiola said that knowing when was the right time to change and alter his rhythm were key aspects of his footballing education that the City coaching team were eager to assist him with.
“Phil has an incredible energy as a player when he starts, but in the final moments, the final pass, you have to slow down,” Guardiola added.
“He has incredible energy, and he wants to prove to the world and wants to show he is important, it is normal. He needs experience to be more calm.
“He plays football in the same rhythm but sometimes football must be played in different rhythms and he has to understand this but that comes with experience. We will be incredibly patient.
“It is not easy for a young player to rise like he has in this club playing important games and for the national team, but it is a normal process for all young players.
“I know we can trust and rely on him all the time.”
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