Pep Guardiola claimed that Phil Foden special quality that Kevin De Bruyne lacks is the ability to play in multiple positions as the two players played at the center in recent matches.
Manchester City won comfortably against Brighton on Thursday. They defeated their host 4-0 as both Foden and De Bruyne were on the scoresheet.
The Belgian opened the scoring with a slick diving header. The goal was his first-ever headed Premier League goal. Manchester City added another goal through Phil Foden and the English international made it 3-0 before the first 45 minutes.
The final of goal of the match was scored by Julian Alvarez as the Argentine scored his first Premier League since January 2023 to become one of the players with 30 goals contributions in the league this season.
In the absence of Erling Haaland, who was declared unfit before the match, Pep Guardiola strategically positioned Alvarez in a wider role to create ample space for Foden and De Bruyne to exploit the Brighton defensive line.
“Phil can play in more positions than Kevin,” the City boss said while explaining his tactics and strange decision to approach the game without any recognised winger.
“The way they defend, we decide to play that way without wingers, more fullbacks. They did really well. We found them with the process for Bernardo. They did exceptional and that provoked the spaces for them.”
Man City Five Wins Away From Become League Champions
New history will be created this season if Pep Guardiola’s side managed to win all their remaining five league matches. The Sky Blues will become the first-ever team to win four consecutive league title and Pep Guardiola will surely go for it.
They will return to action against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and a victory will take them closer to the league title as they are just a point behind the league leader Arsenal. They are, however, the favourites to win the title having play one game less than the Gunners.
Guardiola claimed the match against Nottingham Forest will be tricky because they are so fast and can punish any team on their best day. “But this will be a tricky one because Nottingham are so fast and we have to prepare well.”
Added that after the Sunday’s match, they “have the next two games against Wolves and Fulham we have long weeks”