‘Resilient’ Phil Foden thrilled to kickstart Man City’s European campaign with dominant win in Bratislava

Phil Foden admitted he is still getting back into rhythm, but managed to score his first goal of the season in Manchester City's dominant 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League. This win marks City's first victory in the competition this season.

The scoreline did little justice to the visitors’ dominance as Ilkay Gundogan and Foden struck within the first 15 minutes to set City on their way to victory in the Slovakian capital on Oct 1.

Erling Haaland added his 42nd Champions League goal in 41 appearances before James McAtee registered his first goal for the club.

After a stuttering start to their European campaign in a 0-0 draw at home to Inter Milan in their opening match, the English champions are up and running in the competition’s new format.

Foden has been bedded back into action gradually by Guardiola after his Euro 2024 exertions with England and illness in the opening weeks of the season.

The 24-year-old’s stellar performances saw him earn Premier League Player of the Year awards last season and his return to form is a timely boost with Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri ruled out by injury.

“I had more chances to score, on another night it could’ve been more, but we’re delighted to win 4-0. It’s been a slow start to the season for me, so it was nice to get back out there and score,” Foden told TNT Sports.

“Very happy with the performance, I know there’s still things I can work on and get better. I’m still a little bit rusty.”

Bratislava coach Vladimir Weiss, a former City player, had compared City manager Pep Guardiola’s “genius” to that of Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudi on the eve of the game.

But Guardiola did not need to be at his creative best to draw up a winning game plan as the gulf between the sides was clear from the opening seconds.

The Spaniard could even afford the luxury of making six changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Newcastle United three days earlier.

Gundogan, City’s captain for the night, opened the floodgates with his first goal since returning from Barcelona.

The German’s powerful shot from the edge of the area deflected into the top corner.

Guardiola said the 33-year-old did not perform in their draw with Newcastle, but credited him for bouncing back.

“The game in Newcastle was not really good, maybe one of the worst I have ever seen with him in the last eight or nine years, but this happens. This is why he has to play.

“His position, holding midfielder, he is so intelligent, he played a fantastic game today.”

Foden curled home City’s second into the bottom corner with customary precision on 15 minutes.

Their next goal arrived on 58 minutes as Haaland raced onto Rico Lewis’ pass and rounded the goalkeeper before tapping in his 11th goal in eight games this season.

Guardiola substituted Haaland two minutes later to give him a rest, but City still added to their lead.

Foden’s inventive through ball was given the finish it deserved from McAtee.