Phil Foden scored one goal and assisted another as Manchester City comfortably claimed their first Champions League win of the season with a dominant 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava. The England midfielder, who has struggled to replicate the form that earned him the PFA Player of the Year award last season, made a strong impression in just his second start of the campaign, helping City secure three valuable points in the group stage.
Early City Dominance
Manchester City wasted little time asserting their authority over the Slovakian side, and they were ahead as early as the eighth minute. Ilkay Gündogan, who returned to City this season after a brief stint with Barcelona, opened the scoring with a deflected strike. His shot from the edge of the box caught the Slovan Bratislava defense off guard, taking a wicked deflection that left goalkeeper Dominik Takac wrong-footed. It was Gündogan’s first goal since returning to his old club, and it set the tone for City’s attacking onslaught.
Just seven minutes later, Phil Foden doubled City’s advantage with a clinical finish. Picking up the ball on the edge of the penalty area, Foden displayed his trademark composure as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner, leaving Takac with no chance. It was a moment of relief for Foden, who had been working to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most feared midfielders last season.
Foden’s Return to Form
After being named the PFA Player of the Season last year, Foden has found it difficult to replicate the same level of performance in the early stages of the current campaign. Injuries, competition for places, and a dip in form have seen him make just two starts so far this season. However, in this Champions League encounter, the 23-year-old midfielder showed flashes of the quality that once made him indispensable for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Phil Foden’s goal showcased his calm finishing ability, and he continued to play with confidence throughout the match. His link-up play, vision, and creativity caused problems for Slovan Bratislava’s defense, who struggled to keep up with City’s relentless movement. He came close to scoring a second goal when his powerful effort struck the crossbar, as City dominated proceedings and pushed for more goals.
City’s Near Misses and Haaland’s Contribution
Manchester City’s control of the match was evident in their relentless attacking pressure, with the Premier League champions hitting the woodwork three times. Jeremy Doku, another of City’s young attacking talents, was the first to come close, curling a shot onto the post after a dazzling run down the wing. Foden then saw his effort crash off the crossbar, followed shortly by another close call from Gündogan, whose shot also rattled the frame of the goal.
Despite these near misses, City remained composed and patient, continuing to probe the Slovan Bratislava defense. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when Erling Haaland, in typical fashion, made his mark on the game. The Norwegian striker latched onto a through ball, rounded the onrushing Takac, and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net to make it 3-0. It was Haaland’s 11th goal of the season, continuing his incredible scoring run since joining City last season.
McAtee’s First City Goal
With the game firmly in their grasp, Pep Guardiola made several substitutions, including bringing on academy graduate James McAtee. The 21-year-old midfielder, who has been gradually integrated into the first team, marked his appearance with his first-ever goal for Manchester City. Foden was once again involved, providing a clever flicked pass to split the Bratislava defense and allow McAtee to run through and finish calmly past the goalkeeper.
McAtee’s goal was the icing on the cake for City, who were in full control by this stage. It was a proud moment for the young midfielder, who has been tipped for a bright future at the club, and his debut goal will only add to his growing confidence as he continues to develop under Guardiola’s guidance.
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