Manchester City won the derby. Phil Foden watched most of it from the dressing room.
The Sending Off
Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford on September 13 for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, a reaction to Fernandes catching him in the back. It left City to play more than an hour with 10 men, which they somehow managed to win thanks to Erling Haaland’s contested strike, covered in our derby report.
Overlooked Again
Days later, Tuchel named his England squad for the Nations League camp and Foden was again absent, as he has been for much of the past year. He was one of the highest-profile names left out alongside Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton.
The Wider Picture at City
- City have started with a maximum 12 points from four league games under Enzo Maresca
- They are joint top with defending champions Arsenal
- Competition for attacking midfield places has intensified with the arrival of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea
What He Needs
The route back is straightforward but unforgiving: sustained minutes and end product in a team where places are scarce. Tuchel has been consistent in saying he selects on club form, a policy that has just rewarded Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Time Still on His Side
A suspension and a squad snub in the same week reads badly, but Foden remains in his prime years at a club challenging on every front.