Phil Foden's hidden brilliance against Norwich underlines why he is Man City's title gamechanger

Ilkay Gundogan glided onto Raheem Sterling’s pass in typically elegant style before drilling a cross that saw the aesthetics of the moment plummet.

Phil Foden sort of got off an attempt on goal, the ball sort of hit him. Either way, he probably should have scored.

But the Manchester City attacker would not be denied as he duelled with Ben Gibson and had his scrambled follow-up attempt cleared from behind the line by Grant Hanley.

The Premier League leaders had a 2-0 lead early in the second period after a testing first half-hour against Norwich City at Carrow Road. It was a crucial moment, from which an authoritative 4-0 triumph flowed.

At first glance, it did not look particularly pretty. On closer inspection, there was a little bit of Foden magic laced with tenacity.

The England international really did not have any right to burgle the rebound from the hulking Gibson, but he held off the Norwich defender and a deft drag back created enough room to shovel the ball goalwards.

In many respects, Foden’s first goal of 2022 encapsulated his season so far - not especially eye-catching because you know you’ve seen him do more impressive things but effective nonetheless.

This time last year, City’s standout academy graduate was taking full flight. He was finally a locked-in starter for Pep Guardiola’s first team but not in the playmaking role many assume would be his.

Foden was a menacing left-winger of devastating skill and productivity. No attacker has a fixed role under Guardiola but that was where he primarily thrived, finishing the 2020/21 campaign as City’s second-highest scorer behind Gundogan and with two more Premier League and Carabao Cup medals for his collection.

He began this season late due to the foot injury