Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden is in his best form under his management, after the England forward hit a hat-trick that sealed Manchester City’s 3-1 win at Brentford on Monday night.
Victory moved City above Arsenal into second, with a game in hand on both the Gunners and leaders Liverpool still to play.
City also became only the second team ever to win four Premier League away games in a row having trailed in all of them. In scoring all three, Foden took his goal tally to 14 for the season in all competition, and he has also contributed nine assists.
“I think he’s playing his best season since we have been together”, Guardiola said of Foden. “Playing in these central positions, [he’s] unbelievable.
“He’s always had an eye for goal. He’s got 250 games for Manchester City already and he’s had an impact with goals this season. He’s incredible. His numbers are really good.”
City have won nine straight games in all competitions, but Guardiola said of their winning run: “I’m just trying to recover the people and prepare for Everton. I never think about the run, just about winning the next game.”
Reflecting on his man-of-the-match showing, Foden said: “I’m really delighted with my performances — playing a lot of minutes, and playing more inside. I’m delighted with how I’m playing.
“This is the best form I’ve probably had in a Manchester City shirt for a long time consistently. Long may that continue.”