Phil Foden: Performance against Burnley my best for Man City

Phil Foden scores twice in 5-0 demolition of Burnley; Foden urges City to extend ‘legend’ David Silva’s contract at the club

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Phil Foden felt it was his best performance in a Manchester City shirt as he put in a man-of-the-match display in their victory over Burnley in the Premier League

Phil Foden labelled his performance against Burnley as his best yet in a Manchester City shirt.

The 20-year-old was one of eight pre-match changes made by Pep Guardiola and immediately vindicated his manager’s selection with two goals and an exemplary attacking performance in City’s 5-0 demolition of the Clarets.

“It’s always good to play, score goals and enjoy your football,” Foden told Sky Sports. “I’m happy with how the team are playing at the moment, we are looking sharp and I hope we can continue that into the next games.

“I think that was my best game in a City shirt. I’m still learning every day, I’m still young and have a long way to go but I am happy when I put performances in like that.”

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester City’s win over Burnley in the Premier League

Heir apparent to David Silva?

David Silva also found the target in the victory, registering what could prove to be his final goal for the club as he prepares to part company with City at the end of the season.

Foden’s performances since the Premier League resumed – three goals in two games – have strengthened his claim to succeed Silva in the City attack, but it’s not a thought he wants to entertain.

“They should extend his contract!” Foden added. “How he played today, he’s unbelievable to play with.

“I don’t want to think about [Silva leaving] too much. He’s a great guy, a legend of the club and it’s a pleasure to play with him.”

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Micah Richards and Graeme Souness described Phil Foden as a diamond with the world at his feet, following a man-of-the-match performance in Manchester City’s win over Burnley

A proper send-off for Silva

With David Silva unlikely to play in front of Manchester City supporters again before his career with the club ends, Guardiola confirmed the Spaniard would receive a send-off befitting of his legendary status as soon as is feasibly possible.

“We are going to when it is possible to have people back to the Etihad to try and have not one empty seat for this incredible legend,” Guardiola said.

“With Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta – these players bring these players to another level and they deserve real fireworks.”

Asked whether City would look to replace Silva, Guardiola added: “In this position, when David says it is his last year, I spoke with the board that we have Phil [Foden] so we don’t have to invest.”

City close on Champions League qualification

Back-to-back victories since returning to action has seen City open up a 17-point gap to fifth-place Manchester United, as qualification for next season’s Champions League – subject to their Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal – moves within touch.

“We played really well,” Guardiola said. “It was a solid performance, especially when in the beginning, we were in a hurried way to play.

“We have to be more patient; we have to give permission or give ourselves to every player to go into the position to make it more comfortable, especially in the transitions.

“It helped us a lot with that first goal from Phil and the second one, so it’s nice and we have a good advantage of fifth and we are so close next season to play in the Champions League.”

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Pep Guardiola says praised Phil Foden’s performance and says he will be a very important player for the club for years to come

Sane ‘has to be ready’ after Aguero injury

Leroy Sane made his first appearance after Guardiola revealed he had rejected the offer of a new contract at Manchester City, but the one blemish on an otherwise encouraging night saw the loss of Sergio Aguero to injury on the stroke of half-time.

Guardiola cast the rest of the Argentine’s season into doubt after sustaining a knee injury and called on Sane to chip in ahead of a hectic schedule.

“It doesn’t look good, something in the knee, we will see tomorrow in a better way what he [Aguero] has,” the City boss said. “He was struggling in the last month about pain in his knee, we will see. I am not a doctor, but it doesn’t look good.”

On Sane, Guardiola added: “When one player wants to leave we won’t have his minutes, but there are players that want to stay and play next season.

“Sergio [got injured] today, next we have Chelsea, an FA Cup quarter-final, Newcastle, then Liverpool at home and then another one and another one. So Leroy has to be ready.”

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