Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has issued a stark warning to his teammates, admitting the reigning champions will not lay a glove on Premier League leaders Arsenal unless their performances improve dramatically.
Last-Gasp Winner Spares City's Blushes
The England international's stoppage-time winner against Leeds United on Saturday prevented what would have been a damaging draw after Daniel Farke's side fought back from two goals down. Foden's crucial intervention came after City had surrendered their comfortable lead, raising serious questions about their current form.
"It wasn't good enough from start to finish, we know that," the 25-year-old admitted frankly. The academy graduate revealed that a tactical timeout with manager Pep Guardiola helped alter the course of the game, though Leeds managed to equalise minutes later despite the intervention.
Foden Demands Immediate Improvement
Foden emphasised that City must urgently recapture the encouraging form they showed earlier in the month if they hope to challenge for the title. He highlighted concerning tactical disorganisation that plagued their performance against Leeds.
"From that moment we spoke to the manager, we changed the way we pressed and played," Foden explained. "It was crucial to get together and find the solution. It felt like we were all on different wavelengths. Some were pressing, some were staying. Even on the ball, we were not in good positions to receive it."
The midfielder delivered a sobering assessment of what's at stake: "We have to work on things and get better because when the opponents get better in the later stages of the season, we can't afford to come out like that because we're going to lose the league."
Embracing Leadership and Personal Responsibility
Foden's form has been a major positive for City this season as the midfielder battles to secure his place in England's starting XI ahead of next summer's World Cup. The brace against Leeds could act as a catalyst for more goals, with Foden keen to shoulder greater responsibility.
"I've become more mature," he added. "I think now I'm one of the leaders as well. Maybe not as a captain, but on the pitch. I like to see myself as one of the leaders. Obviously, I've worked with the manager for one of the longest now so I know what he wants and the standards he sets."
Foden also revealed his personal motivation, saying: "I have the hunger inside me. I was frustrated after the Newcastle game because I missed a few chances. It was eating me up inside a little bit for the last few days, if I'm honest. I just wanted to put it right. Leeds will give me a lot of confidence. I just want to go again now."
