Phil Foden opens up on relationship with Kyle Walker after Man City pair combine vs Nottingham Forest

Phil Foden is enjoying his burgeoning relationship with Kyle Walker down Manchester City's right after the pair combined for Saturday's opening goal against Nottingham Forest.

City came away from the Etihad with all three points after beating Steve Cooper's side 2-0. Foden was off the mark inside seven minutes, finishing brilliantly after Walker provided the final pass of 46 in a brilliant team goal.

Erling Haaland doubled the lead after another seven minutes and City looked in control, but were made to fight after Rodri was sent off for grabbing Morgan Gibbs-White around the throat. Pep Guardiola's side continued to create, with Foden and Walker working in tandem on the right.

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"I've been building a great relationship even at the national team with Kyle now, we work really well together," Foden told Match of the Day. "I'd not scored yet this season for City and it's something I've been pinching myself a little bit.

"I had to keep making the right runs, getting in the right areas and I knew it would come. Thankfully today I caught the ball well and was delighted with the finish."

City looked set to recreate last season's 6-0 thumping of Forest in the early stages but were dealt a blow with the loss of Rodri. A needless clash with Gibbs-White by his own corner flag led to a straight red card after he was adjudged to have grabbed the midfielder by the throat.

Gibbs-White's fall was both delayed and theatrical, but it was a rare loss of composure from Rodri. Foden was relatively close to the clash but remained coy on what he saw.

"It's hard to say," he said with a wry smile.