Foden's Backheel Assist Sparks Man City to 3-0 Win Over Palace

Phil Foden provided two first-half assists in Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, helping the team stay two points behind leaders Arsenal heading into the final week of the Premier League season.

The 25-year-old academy product set up the first two goals with a backheel pass for Antoine Semenyo's opener and another assist that steadied City after a disjointed start. Pep Guardiola had made six changes to the lineup, resting Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

City had appeared fragmented until Foden's moment of brilliance. "I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant [Semenyo] make a good movement," Foden said. "It is one of those, sometimes it doesn't come off. Sometimes a risk is worth taking and I am very delighted it came off and we scored from it. Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is the most important."

Jamie Redknapp called it the "assist of the season." On Sky Sports, Micah Richards said, "This is why I love him. The little backheel is sensational. I want him to do so well because he comes from the academy. It means more. To produce this from the academy, his vision and to execute that pass is mesmerising to me."

Foden has scored 10 goals in 48 appearances this season, with his last coming on December 14 in the reverse fixture against Palace. He has gone 27 matches without a goal, starting just three of his past 13 league games and his first since March 4. "I would say I had a good half season - the first half - and dropped off a bit then struggled to find my place in the team," Foden said. "It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you, so I have had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can and when you get your moment you have to take it."

Foden created five chances in the first half against Palace, more than any player in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match this season. It marked the first time he assisted two goals in a first half and the first time he provided two assists in a City game since December 2023. Fans gave him a standing ovation when John Stones replaced him in the 82nd minute, and he was named man of the match.

Two years ago, Foden won PFA player of the year, but last season he cited off-field issues and injuries for his struggles. City recently agreed to a new contract with him at Etihad Stadium. Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day, "These type of games, they play the low block, it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal. These types of games, the quality makes the difference and Phil is full of it in his body. I am beyond happy and satisfied. It has to be a big role in the future. We want the best for Phil and Phil has to deliver what he has done for many, many years. He felt how people loved him, the standing ovation from the actions. People want him to be happy."

Foden started England's last two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan before Thomas Tuchel names his World Cup squad. Tuchel said last month Foden has no guaranteed spot in the 24-man selection. Richards said Foden's World Cup hopes hang in the balance but added, "There are certain games when you will play against teams who play a low block. He [Foden] is the one that can unlock the goal. I know he [Tuchel] likes Morgan Rogers who is different and more intense with his pressing, but in terms of passing and football brain IQ, I would take him. I know he's not had the best of seasons, but in a World Cup when you need something special, he can produce that. I know he's not been at his best for England at all, but he has just got that magic and I just wish he could have shown it more this season. If I was picking the squad he would 100% be in."