Phil Foden hailed Manchester City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne as the Premier League’s best player after both netted in the 4-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in Thursday’s game at the Amex Stadium before Foden grabbed a couple of goals of his own before half-time.
Julian Alvarez rounded off the scoring just after the hour in a one-sided contest as Erling Haaland-less City moved within a point of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.
Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne now has four goals and six assists in just 13 league appearances for Man City this season.
Foden told Sky Sports News after the win over Brighton: “I think when he’s on he’s the best player in the Premier League.”
Foden’s first goal came from a deflected free-kick which he won himself, although replays showed he slipped rather than being fouled.
The England international doubled his tally with an equalizing finish after Brighton were caught in possession at the back.
Asked if he would play more centrally, Phil Foden said: “I always said I could see myself there. I’ve moved inside this year and it’s helped me a lot.
“I’m enjoying it in the middle. It’s where I want to be. At the moment I’m just enjoying football and playing with freedom.”
Kevin De Bruyne had earlier opened the scoring with a brilliant opener – his first headed goal for City in the Premier League – as City went 30 games unbeaten in normal time in all competitions.
Julian Alvarez then rounded off the scoring in a game that not only saw the reigning champions close the gap on Arsenal but also reduced their goal difference to eight.
“It was a good game,” said De Bruyne. “I think we played really well in the first half and every game is under a lot of pressure. All we can do is prepare like we did today and win the game in front of us.
“We just want to win match by match and push for the title. We are not getting ahead of ourselves. Now the next match is fast approaching. Try to recover and we are going again.”
Kyle Walker assisted Kevin De Bruyne and Alvarez’s goals – the first time a defender had scored twice in a single Premier League game, his 390th appearance in the competition.
Reflecting on his rare header, De Bruyne said: “It doesn’t happen too much. Kyle made a good cross and I think the only way to do that is to jump on him. I’ll take it but it’s not something I want.” I am good.”
Manchester City have rather ominously won four Premier League games in a row and travel to strugglers Nottingham Forest next weekend knowing that victory in their remaining five matches will secure an unprecedented fourth title in a row.
“I believe in my team. All due respect to Liverpool and Arsenal, they are amazing,” De Bruyne added. “Arsenal are doing what they need to do and we have to do it too. Work hard and be humble enough to keep pushing.”
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