Phil Foden revealed how much he had been looking forward to returning to action after scoring and earning Player of the Match honours in Manchester City’s 3–2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
The England international marked his return to Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up with an early goal at the Etihad Stadium, helping City extend their perfect league start to seven consecutive victories.
Foden had not featured since 13 September, when he was sent off during City’s 1–0 victory over Manchester United. After serving a three-match suspension during a period that also included the international break, the midfielder finally got his opportunity — and made an immediate impact.
His goal arrived in the 19th minute, rewarding Maresca’s decision to restore him to the starting XI. The City manager had even predicted before kick-off that Foden would find the net.
Speaking to City Studios after the match, Foden made no secret of how much the moment meant to him.
“So much! I’ve been thinking about this moment and getting back on the pitch and enjoying my football again,” he said.
“It’s been such a long time since I last played so I’ve had to just remain patient, keep training very hard and had to wait for my moment today.
“I’m so thankful that I managed to get on the scoresheet and get the three points today.”
Foden Admits He Had Been Waiting for a Goal
Foden’s return was about more than simply getting back into the team. The midfielder had also been waiting for a goal, having last scored for City in December 2025.
In further post-match comments published by Manchester City, he admitted how much he had wanted to experience that feeling again and explained the potential impact on his confidence.
“I’ve been needing that goal for a long time!” Foden said.
“It can only do good now for my confidence.
“My main focus is just about helping the team the best I can, and trying to do my job.”
The goal offered a timely boost for the 25-year-old, whose patience and hard work in training were rewarded with a strong individual performance. While the personal achievement mattered, Foden stressed that contributing to the team’s success remained his priority.
‘The Atmosphere Was Class’
Foden also praised the Manchester City supporters for their backing during a challenging afternoon at the Etihad.
City took the lead through Foden before Ipswich responded almost immediately through Daizen Maeda. Erling Haaland then scored twice to put the hosts 3–1 ahead, but Zian Flemming’s late penalty created a nervous finish.
City held on, and Foden credited the atmosphere inside the stadium with helping the team secure the result.
“The atmosphere was class today! I could feel the presence of the fans, pushing us on in every single way, and it was a great atmosphere!” he said.
Reflecting on the match, he acknowledged that the performance had not been straightforward but insisted that taking all three points was what mattered most.
“Today was just about getting the job done, no matter how we did it, it was obviously a difficult game. It’s just all about getting the three points.”
Foden also explained that City remained committed to their approach despite the pressure of a demanding contest.
“We try to just stick to our football, take it game by game. We’re still 100% focused on winning football games, and I think that’s how it has to be. The main focus is doing our job, and that’s all we can do.”
He added that the unity within the squad could prove crucial as the season progresses.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of players that are willing to run for their teammates, and when you’ve got that you can go a long way.”
Maresca’s Faith Pays Off
Foden’s performance also rewarded Maresca’s faith in the midfielder after his suspension.
The City boss had backed him to make an impact before the match, and the decision to bring him straight back into the starting line-up paid off with an early goal and an influential display.
Maresca has previously spoken about Foden’s quality and the importance of helping him return to his best. After the Ipswich victory, he expressed his delight at the midfielder’s performance and hoped the goal would be the beginning of more positive displays.
For Foden, the immediate priority is to build on his return and help City maintain their momentum.
City Continue Their Perfect League Start
The 3–2 victory extended City’s winning run to seven Premier League matches and made Maresca the first manager in the competition’s history to win his opening seven games in charge of a club.
The result was not without its complications, with Ipswich pushing City until the final whistle. Nevertheless, Foden’s return, Haaland’s brace and the team’s ability to withstand late pressure ensured another three points.
After weeks of waiting, Foden now has a goal, an individual award and a victory to build on. His comments suggest that he is eager to make the most of his return — and help City continue their strong start to the campaign.
