Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his side’s overall attacking “process” was the reason behind Phil Foden’s withdrawal during Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Salford City.
City booked their place in the fifth round at the Etihad Stadium thanks to an early own goal from Alfie Dorrington and a late Marc Guehi goal, stretching their winning sequence to four matches and extending their unbeaten run to seven in all competitions.
With Erling Haaland rediscovering his scoring touch and January additions Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo both opening their accounts following moves from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, City appear to be gathering momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Yet despite the positive result, attention turned to Foden, who was replaced after 65 minutes by Semenyo in a move that prompted questions about the England international’s recent form.
Guardiola was keen to stress that his decision was not a reflection on Foden alone, but rather a consequence of how the team functioned collectively in the final third.
“He’s alright. I am a big admirer of Phil and I’m pretty sure that today, like Rayan Cherki, like Tijjani (Reijnders), like Phil didn’t involve and play good because the process or reading what we should do, we didn’t do that. That is the only reason why.
“So I’m not judging one player because, no – we should move better, the four guys behind, Rico (Lewis) and Nico and John (Stones) and Khusa (Abdukodir Khusanov), when the ball is one side, bring the ball quick to the opposite side – these guys who have produced there, because they have incredible energy and incredible passion to play and do it.
“So, play bad? No. No. But sometimes with the way we played, the players that play in that position up front, we need better process. And today (against Salford City) was not good.”
Rather than isolating Foden’s display, Guardiola highlighted issues with ball circulation and movement, particularly from deeper areas.
He pointed to the need for quicker switches of play and sharper positioning from those operating behind the attacking line, including Rico Lewis, Nico, John Stones and Abdukodir Khusanov.
In Guardiola’s system, fluidity and tempo are essential to creating space for forwards, and he suggested that the side’s rhythm against Salford did not meet his usual standards.
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Foden, who has found regular starts harder to come by in recent months, was handed the opportunity to impress from the outset in the cup tie. But with competition in City’s forward line intensifying, Guardiola opted for fresh impetus midway through the second half.
Fierce competition in attack as City build momentum
City’s forward options have rarely looked so strong. Haaland’s return to prolific form has provided a focal point, while Semenyo’s arrival has added directness and energy.
Guehi’s impact from set-pieces was evident with his late header, and Omar Marmoush has also caught the eye since returning from a month away due to Egypt’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
With Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders also competing for places, Guardiola faces a selection headache that many managers would envy. The depth available means even established names must fight to secure their positions.
For Foden, this season has been more uneven than the last. The 25-year-old played a central role in City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title during the 2023-24 campaign, delivering decisive goals and performances during the run-in. He began the current term brightly but has not consistently reached those same heights.
Guardiola, however, has repeatedly backed the academy graduate, reaffirming his admiration and belief in the player’s qualities. Saturday’s substitution, he insisted, should not be interpreted as a loss of faith.
