Phil Foden backs up Pep Guardiola comment in Man City win at Everton

Foden earns his goal

Pep Guardiola has been asked a few times about Phil Foden's performances recently.

The Manchester City star has been carrying out the No.9 role effectively in the absence of a recognised striker, but the role hasn't seemed to bring the best out of a player who is so good with the ball at his feet running toward the goal rather than with his back to it being crowded out by defenders.

If he has looked below his best in the last few games, the 21-year-old was the sharpest City attacker at Goodison. He looked more than anyone like breaking the deadlock so it was no surprise when he nipped in to take advantage of Everton uncertainty in the box to poke in what could be a huge goal in the title race.

Guardiola has stuck with the player - to the point of leaving top scorer Riyad Mahrez on the bench in consecutive weeks - despite a few question marks, and was rewarded with a big, big goal.

Stones justifies his selection

Kyle Walker could probably feel a little hard done to as the only member of the back four that malfunctioned against Tottenham to be dropped, yet it was clear from the first whistle how important Stones was going to be at right-back.

The former Everton player may not have the pace that his England teammate possesses, yet he is as comfortable on the ball building up play from the back. As importantly, he was useful in both defending and attacking set-pieces in a game where they were crucial.

Stones may rather play at centre-back but Guardiola has turned to him a number of times this season as a full-back, and he has improved markedly in that position from when he used to turn out there at Goodison.

It is certainly another option for the manager moving forwards.

Goodison plays their part

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