Phil Foden is hoping to get more minutes in a central midfield role after his hat-trick guided Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
City had the chance to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a game in hand on Monday, but they fell behind midway through the first half as Neal Maupay latched onto Mark Flekken’s goal-kick to slot past Ederson.
It looked like being a frustrating outing for City as Flekken made save after save in the Brentford goal, but Foden scored just his second career treble to guide the champions to victory.
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Foden took advantage of an Ethan Pinnock mistake to score his first before half-time, before a glancing header and a composed one-on-one finish secured City’s win after the break.
Foden’s hat-trick came from a central midfield position as Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez started in the wide areas, and the England international hopes Pep Guardiola might use him in that role more often in the future.
Taking it home ⚽️🩵 pic.twitter.com/I9mA2Grxm8
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 5, 2024
“I’m delighted with how I’m playing at the moment. I’m playing more inside, which is where I want to be,” Foden told Sky Sports after the game.
“It’s probably the best form I’ve had in a City shirt for a long time, consistently. Long may that continue.
“It would help if I played one position and learned that position every game but I’m a person who adapts and plays where I’m needed.
“I’m enjoying playing anywhere in the middle. That’s where I see myself. Hopefully I can play more in the middle.”
City lost home and away against Brentford last season and could have been in for another difficult game when Maupay put the Bees ahead, but Foden was proud of how City stuck to their task and fought back.
“We know the quality they have. Ivan Toney is one of the best at winning aerial duels… last year, they caused us problems so we knew the threat they had,” Foden said.
“We stayed calm and trusted our ability. We’re delighted with the outcome of the game. We had to remain patient, we controlled the game and created a lot of chances.”
FULL-TIME | A @PhilFoden hat-trick secures the W 🩵
🐝 1-3 🩵 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/COhMiNcycY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 5, 2024
