The England midfielder scored another two goals to ensure Pep Guardiola's side came from behind to see off their local rivals
Manchester City might not be playing at their scintillating best at present, but they remain just one point off Premier League leaders Liverpool after Phil Foden inspired the defending champions to come from behind and beat local rivals Manchester United 3-1 on Sunday.
City dominated the early proceedings, but found themselves behind at half-time after Marcus Rashford's stunning eighth-minute strike was followed by an impressive rearguard from the visitors, as well as an incredible close-range miss from Erling Haaland.
But just as he has so many times already this season, it was Foden to the rescue, as he first cut inside to lash a left-footed drive into the top corner from 20 yards, before netting the winner after trading passes with Julian Alvarez. Haaland then added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage-time after United gave the ball away on the edge of their own penalty area.
The win keeps Pep Guardiola's side within touching distance of Liverpool, whom they visit next Sunday in what may now prove to be a title-decider at Anfield.
GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Had no chance with Rashford's stunning strike. Largely a spectator thereafter, but did rush out to challenge Garnacho well shortly before Foden made it 2-1.
Kyle Walker (7/10):
Did well to track back against Rashford and snuff out counter-attacks on a couple of occasions. Otherwise offered himself as the spare man in attacks on numerous occasions.
Ruben Dias (5/10):
Potentially could have done better up against Fernandes in the build-up to Rashford's goal, but otherwise his game was limited to keeping the ball ticking over as City built from the back.
Nathan Ake (4/10):
Played Fernandes onside for the opening goal and never looked wholly comfortable from a defensive point of view.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
John Stones (6/10):
Took up his now usual position in central midfield and kept City ticking over while getting involved physically on the rare occasion the ball was turned over.
Rodri (7/10):
At the heart of City's best attacks, with Stones' positioning meaning the Spaniard could move further up the pitch for the most part. Tested Onana with a volleyed effort in the first half and got the assist for Haaland's late goal.
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Couldn't control the game in the same way he did at Old Trafford earlier in the season. Lacked any real cutting edge to his passing on the edge of the box.
Kevin De Bruyne (4/10):
Probably his most disappointing performance since returning from injury. United crowded him out for the most part, while to say his finishing was wayward would be kind.
Getty ImagesAttack
Phil Foden (10/10):
City's best player throughout, and by some distance. Always dangerous in attack, and after twice being denied by Onana in the first half, found the equaliser with a stunning strike after the break. Superb give-and-go with Alvarez then settled it. In the form of his career right now.
Erling Haaland (5/10):
Not for the first time in recent weeks, the Norwegian missed the target when it looked easier to score from Foden's headed cross late in the first half. Struggled to get fully into the game throughout, but did get his goal in stoppage-time with a well-taken finish.
Jeremy Doku (4/10):
A box of tricks as usual, but the Belgium winger's final product left a lot to be desired. Replaced by Alvarez before the hour-mark.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Gave City's attack a different dimension after replacing Doku, and provided the all-important assist for Foden's winner.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
On for Foden in stoppage-time.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Can't be blamed for some of the missed chances in the first half, and the introduction of Alvarez meant Bernardo and Foden could then switch flanks and cause confusion. It was Foden popping up on the left that ended up settling the game.