Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart said midfielder Phil Foden “stepped up” for Pep Guardiola’s side after his double secured a 3-2 win over Leeds.
The 25-year-old scored the first of his two goals just 59 seconds into the game – the earliest league goal for City at Etihad Stadium since David Silva’s strike after 52 seconds against Watford in September 2019.
And, after Leeds scored twice in the second half to shock Pep Guardiola’s side and draw level, Foden struck in the 91st minute to seal the victory that helped his side keep pace with leaders Arsenal, who are now four points ahead.
“He got them out of jail, but he got them out of jail with absolute quality,” Hart told Match of the Day.
“He was absolutely purring, he stepped up for Manchester City.”
Foden said he wanted “to prove to myself that I can still score goals” after a run of five games without a netting.
“I was so hungry to play today, not to prove to anyone else but to prove to myself that I can still score goals,” Foden told Sky Sports after the victory.
“I’ve been a bit frustrated and it was in the back of my mind to put it right and I was delighted to put two away today.”
Before Saturday, the England international had scored just once this Premier League season – in the 3-0 derby win against Manchester United on 14 September.
Foden’s most productive season at City came in 2023-24 when he had 19 goals before scoring seven last season – six of them coming in four games at the start of 2025.
However, he struck twice in the 4-1 home win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League earlier this month before keeping his purple patch going against Leeds in a match that saw momentum swing multiple times.
“Right up there with one of the wildest games,” Foden summed up the action.
“We were in full control. They changed it around in the second half, changed the system and we couldn’t seem to get going.
“It was a frustrating half but when we had a short break, the manager got us together to adapt to their formation and we started playing again.
“We put on the pressure and I finally managed to find a bit of space and get my shot off and find the bottom of the net. Really happy with it but there are still things we can improve.”
City, who were beaten at Newcastle in their previous match, will hope Arsenal drop points at Chelsea on Sunday as they look to remain within touching distance of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
“A title race is never straightforward,” Foden said.
“There are always ups and downs and periods where you can’t get going and find results. We’ve had that recently and I’m delighted with the courage and heart shown from the lads to keep going. The belief and togetherness came through in the end.
“Hopefully we can kick on from here now, but you never know what to expect.”