Foden was on the scoresheet as Pep Guardiola's men were held to a 2-2 draw by Brentford. (Image: Getty)
Phil Foden admitted Manchester City simply didn't have the legs to fend off Brentford's fiery comeback, resulting in a “leggy” performance and a costly two-point loss.
Despite two second-half goals scored in west London, both from Foden himself, the champions were unable to maintain their lead, with Brentford securing the equalizer deep into injury time.
City, who looked set to claim their fourth consecutive victory, struggled against a determined Brentford side who did not hesitate to attack relentlessly.
Manchester City's English midfielder #47 Phil Foden celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Manchester City at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on January 14, 2025. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED FOR EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online use during the match limited to 120 images. 40 additional images can be used in extension. No video emulation. Use of social networks during the match limited to 120 images. 40 additional images can be used in extension. No use in betting posts, games or single club/league/player posts. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The home side's sustained pressure paid off, leaving Pep Guardiola's side rueing what would have been a routine victory after going 2-0 up.
Reflecting on a less than ideal day and his own form under scrutiny from a highly regarded previous season, Foden expressed his displeasure at City's inability to manage the game towards the end. Speaking to TNT Sports, he shared his observations.
“We just looked tired at the end, in the last 20 or 30 minutes. We looked leggy and they put the pressure on and put longer balls into the box. We didn't faces the physical at the end This is one of the most difficult parts of the upcoming locations and they offer you different challenges.
Foden continued to analyze the performance, saying: “I was happy with the performance until we were 1-0 up and then after that we let our performance slip and gave the ball away. It's something to learn. They challenged us today and we did our best.”
A win at Brentford would have kept City's winning streak alive (Image: Getty)
With aspirations of glory still alive in three competitions, City are set to face Ipswich Town before facing a crucial Champions League showdown against PSG, a clash with significant implications for their European ambitions.
Foden, however, rejected the idea that their busy schedule was an excuse for poor performances. He said: “We've been used to it for many years, we've played the majority of competitions and played every three days so it's something the team is quite used to, no excuses.”
A win at Brentford would have maintained City's winning streak as they strive to return to their former glory, but Foden remains optimistic about their progress.
“We still have steps to take to get to where we want to be, but as long as we continue to take small steps and improve, that's what we aim to do,” he added.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2000722/phil-foden-makes-worrying-man-city-admission-after-failing-dispatch-brentford