Remember me, boss? Foden reminds Pep of his magic as Man City breeze past Crystal Palace

Whatever the lyrics of the song devoted to him, Phil Foden has not been on fire. But as he rediscovered his spark in the Mancunian rain, Pep Guardiola ’s gamble paid off. Manchester City retained their interest in the title race and head to the FA Cup final with fresher legs after Guardiola rested, rotated and recorded a comfortable win.

It is a sign of how Foden’s star has waned that he figured in the weakened team. Footballer of the Year in 2024, he is Rayan Cherki ’s understudy in 2026. He still has not scored in the calendar year, but when City looked stifled by Crystal Palace ’s obduracy, he conjured a gorgeous assist.

City are rewarding a player who has had consecutive disappointing seasons with a new four-year contract but Foden offered an illustration why. “You need quality, not [something from] the tactical board, or meetings or training,” said Guardiola. Foden obliged.

He oozed class in a glorious quarter of an hour at the end of the first half, which proved decisive. “He felt how people love him with the standing ovation,” added his manager. That reception may help restore him to prominence.