Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden was ‘not at his best’ in City’s win over Crystal Palace

Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring for the visitors in the 41st minute after he met Matheus Nunes’ precise cross with a powerful header to give City the lead before the break.

Phil Foden doubled Citizens’ advantage in the 69th minute when he was found by Rayan Cherki, who burst past his marker, and the Englishman released a belter into the bottom corner.

Haaland completed the scoring from the penalty spot to give City all three points and put them two points behind Arsenal.

Foden scored his sixth goal in four Premier League games, but Pep Guardiola wasn’t pleased with his performance and felt he could improve.

He said via Sky Sports: “Phil today, and I know the people may think differently, was not good.”

“He didn’t play at his best, so he lost a lot of balls. He was so in a rush in his decisions; he was so anxious.

“He has to play; just keep the ball and be associated with the other ones, and, in the right moment, make this explosion that only he has in terms of goals and assists.

“But before that he has to be more calm. He always wants to do it well; he wants to help the others. He makes the situations not clear.

“But Phil, in terms of work defensively, how he pressed and how he came back, he was unbelievable, incredible.

“It was one of his best [defensive performances]. He ran maybe the best of the team, and he scored a goal because, close to the box, he is unbelievable.”

“He has a lot of margin to understand the game,” the Manchester City boss added.

“He will not improve his incredible quality because he’s top. But understanding the game, the way you have certain moments, the way you have to play, and the way you have to accelerate or sometimes decelerate the game.

“Just the timing, the tempo – he will give it.

“Of course, everyone has to margin to improve. Everyone.”