Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrating with John Stones after scoring in their 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava on Oct 1. BRATISLAVA – Phil Foden said he is still “rusty” but scored his first goal of the season as Manchester City thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to record their first Champions League win this season. The scoreline did little justice to the visitors’ dominance as Ilkay Gundogan and Foden struck within the first 15 minutes to set City on their way to victory in the Slovakian capital on Oct 1.
Erling Haaland added his 42nd Champions League goal in 41 appearances before James McAtee registered his first goal for the club. After a stuttering start to their European campaign in a 0-0 draw at home to Inter Milan in their opening match, the English champions are up and running in the competition’s new format. Foden has been bedded back into action gradually by Guardiola after his Euro 2024 exertions with England and illness in the opening weeks of the season.
The 24-year-old’s stellar performances saw him earn Premier League Player of the Year awards last season and his return to form is a timely boost with Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri ruled out by injury. “I had more chances to score, on another night it could’ve been more, but we’re delighted to win 4-0. It’s been a slow start to the season for me, so it was nice to get back out there and score,” Foden told TNT Sports.
“Very happy with the performance, I know there’s still things I can work on .