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Guardiola speaks with Phil Foden at the Etihad. PA Wire/PA Images

'Now I am a genius': Guardiola applauds 18-year-old match-winner Foden

Pep Guardiola paid tribute to teenager Phil Foden after his winning goal against Tottenham on Saturday.

MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Phil Foden after his match-winning performance against Tottenham on Saturday and used the opportunity to hit back at those who criticised his use of Fabian Delph in the Champions League.

City held on to a nervy 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, with Foden’s goal – his first in the Premier League – coming after just five minutes.

Foden was making only his second top-flight start but looked at home as City claimed a measure of revenge for their European exit at the hands of Spurs, who progressed on away goals despite losing the quarter-final second leg 4-3 in midweek.

Spurs won the first leg 1-0 and Delph came in for significant criticism for his performance, as did Guardiola by extension, prompting a prickly response when asked about Foden following Saturday’s win.

“Now I am a genius. He [Foden] scored a goal, how good is the manager? Then, after playing Delph in London, it is a disaster,” Guardiola told reporters.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League - Etihad Stadium Eric Dier attempts to tackle Foden during Saturday's Premier League encounter. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

“Phil is an incredibly talented player and we have to pick him in the right moment. He has the quality to arrive in the box.

“Every time he plays he scores a goal or has chances. His ability in small spaces, it is not easy to play against [Eric] Dier or [Victor] Wanyama or [Christian] Eriksen.

“It is an incredible experience for him to play and I trust him a lot.”

Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury in the first half and was subsequently forced off, making him a doubt for the remainder of the season, while the Belgian will almost certainly miss Wednesday’s trip to Old Trafford.

That could provide Foden with the opportunity to make his first start in a Manchester derby. “Maybe,” Guardiola said when asked if Foden could feature against Manchester United.

“Maybe Kevin is not there, so we will see. I didn’t spend one second to think about the match at Old Trafford.

“I need to enjoy today and rest a bit and then watch as many games as possible from United.”

The Manchester derby represents City’s game in hand over Liverpool and a win for the Blues would see them take the lead in the race for the title, before a run-in that sees them face Burnley. Leicester and Brighton.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
    Favourite Chris Mcdonnell
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    May 18th 2015, 2:32 PM

    Even when on the bench he didn’t get game time. The coach doesn’t like or trust him. Saturday once again showed just how wrong O’connor has been all season

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    Mute Colin Webber
    Favourite Colin Webber
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    May 18th 2015, 6:24 PM

    O’Connor is just all wrong for Leinster.

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    Mute Mark Lawlor
    Favourite Mark Lawlor
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    May 18th 2015, 2:31 PM

    He has a very big chance next season with Leinster during the World Cup, midfield won’t be as competitive so he should get a good run of matches.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
    Favourite Chris Mcdonnell
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    May 18th 2015, 6:56 PM

    Mark if Darcy doesn’t make the World Cup squad, he’ll play 12 with t’eo at 13. Then Madigan and sexton will be back so the midfield won’t be as easy to get into as you may think

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    Mute David Davidson
    Favourite David Davidson
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    May 18th 2015, 4:27 PM

    That pop pass from O’Brien

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    Mute Irish Underage Rugby
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    May 18th 2015, 2:54 PM

    Battle between him and Madigan for the 12 jersey next season.

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    Mute Cian Walker
    Favourite Cian Walker
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    May 19th 2015, 4:02 AM

    It’s always to easy to see who coaches ‘just like/don’t like’. When Gopperth played badly it was ignored whereas when Madigan played mediocre or even if Reid played well decisions went against them.

    It creates such a poisonous culture as some players start to feel entitled to spots and others feel it doesn’t matter how well they play they won’t get picked. Cody and Fergusson were masters at disregarding players identities and judging on match performance alone. MOC is such a stink manager.

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