Phil Foden is determined to regain top form after scoring in Manchester City’s derby win. Acknowledging recent criticism, he aims to prove doubters wrong. With support from teammates like Erling Haaland and dedication to late Ricky Hatton, Foden seeks to make a significant impact this season.
Phil Foden is on a mission. After silencing some critics with a goal in Manchester City’s dominant derby victory over Manchester United, the young midfielder is determined to prove his worth and return to the peak form that saw him crowned Premier League Player of the Season. The win against their rivals, secured with a 3-0 scoreline, was a crucial moment for City, especially after suffering back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton. Foden's goal, an 18th-minute header, not only set the tone for the match but also marked his first Premier League goal since January, a drought he was eager to end.
Foden's record in Manchester derbies is impressive. He has now scored seven goals in these high-stakes clashes, placing him among the elite goal-scorers in the fixture's history. Only Erling Haaland, Wayne Rooney, and Sergio Aguero, all with eight goals, have a better record. This statistic highlights Foden's knack for rising to the occasion and delivering when it matters most, a trait that City fans have come to appreciate.
However, the path hasn't always been smooth for Foden. After a stellar 2023-24 season, where he recorded 29 goal involvements (19 goals and eight assists) and earned the prestigious Player of the Season award, his form dipped in the subsequent campaign. He managed only nine goal involvements (seven goals and two assists), leading to increased scrutiny and doubts about his consistency. Furthermore, limited playing time in City’s early games of the 2025-26 season added fuel to the fire, prompting Foden to address the criticism head-on.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Foden acknowledged the negativity surrounding his recent performances. "There has been a lot of talk. It’s impossible [not to see it]," he admitted. "Everything I see at the moment is negative, but that’s the world we live in. When you come off winning Player of the Season, the standards are higher. I understand that." Foden's awareness of the external pressure and his determination to respond positively demonstrate his mental fortitude and commitment to regaining his top form.
Erling Haaland, who scored a brace in the derby, also voiced his support for Foden, emphasizing the team's need for him to perform at his best. "We have to keep going, and we have to keep him going, we need him so much," Haaland said. "This is the Phil we need. We are going to help him as much as we can to make him as good as he was." Haaland's words underscore the importance of team spirit and the collective effort to support individual players through challenging periods.
The Manchester derby was played against the backdrop of mourning, as City paid tribute to boxing legend and lifelong fan Ricky Hatton, who recently passed away at the age of 46. The club held a minute's applause before kick-off to honor Hatton's memory and his unwavering support for the team. Foden dedicated City's victory to Hatton and his family, adding an emotional layer to the win. "I had extra motivation going into the game. It was for him and his family and all the people suffering right now," Foden revealed. "The lads made sure that, today, they gave everything, and you can see it wasn’t a pretty match at the end, but the way we won, it was all for him."
He LOVES a derby pic.twitter.com/FeXyPw4KKY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2025
Looking ahead, Manchester City face a busy schedule. They are set to play against Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, followed by a Premier League clash against Arsenal three days later. These upcoming matches will provide Foden with further opportunities to showcase his talent and solidify his return to top form. With the support of his teammates and the motivation to prove his doubters wrong, Foden is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the remainder of the season and silence the negativity surrounding his performances.
As Foden continues to strive for excellence, his journey serves as a reminder that even the most talented players face challenges and periods of self-doubt. It is through perseverance, dedication, and the support of those around them that they can overcome these obstacles and reach their full potential. For Phil Foden, the derby goal may just be the turning point he needs to reignite his spark and once again shine as one of the Premier League's brightest stars.