Foden shines as Man City dismantle Dortmund in dominant display

Published: 06 November 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

It was one of those nights at the Etihad Stadium when Manchester City seemed to be playing on a different level. A night when their artistry, control, and fluidity returned in full force — and at the heart of it all stood Phil Foden, beaming, brilliant, and back to his vintage best. City’s 4-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League was not merely a win; it was a statement of rediscovered confidence.

At half-time, the stadium’s big screen flashed the words “Vintage Phil Foden,” and by the final whistle, it was clear that the phrase was no exaggeration. Foden, still only 25, delivered two sensational goals from outside the penalty area, each one a reminder of why he has long been hailed as one of English football’s brightest talents. Both strikes showcased his trademark balance, composure, and audacity — qualities that have made him the creative heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

By the end of the evening, Foden’s double had propelled City up to fourth place in their Champions League group and reignited belief after a period of mixed form. His performance was a masterclass in intelligent movement, close control, and finishing precision. And perhaps most importantly, it marked the return of that joyful swagger that had been missing from his game for much of last season.

“Phil is back,” Guardiola declared afterwards, his voice full of conviction. “When Phil plays with that confidence and smile, we are a better team. He makes football look easy, but what he does takes courage and intelligence.”

For Foden, it felt like a reawakening. His first goal was a beauty — a precise curler from 25 yards that left Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel rooted to the spot. His second was even more impressive: receiving the ball from Tijjani Reijnders in a tight space, he shifted across his body and swept a low shot beyond Kobel’s reach. It was the kind of goal only Foden scores — all quick feet, flair, and instinctive understanding of angles.

The Etihad erupted, and Foden responded with a wink and his trademark “sniper celebration.” One fan even managed to pull him into the crowd for a selfie, a moment that perfectly captured the connection between the player and his supporters.

“I’m loving football at the moment,” Foden said after the match, his smile unmissable. “I need to play with a smile on my face, and I’m doing that again. Last year was tough — not just for me, but for everyone. You learn a lot when you go through difficult times, and this season we’re seeing glimpses of the team we used to be.”

Indeed, Manchester City’s performance as a whole had echoes of their treble-winning campaign two years ago. The passing was crisp, the pressing relentless, and the chemistry between players seemed fully restored. In midfield, Reijnders and Rodri controlled the tempo, while Bernardo Silva orchestrated moves with his typical intelligence.

And then there was Erling Haaland. Even on a night when Foden stole the headlines, the Norwegian’s presence could not be ignored. Haaland, captaining City for the evening, scored yet another Champions League goal — his 54th in just 52 appearances. It was a typically clinical finish and one that elevated him to ninth in the all-time scoring charts, just two behind Ruud van Nistelrooy. In total, Haaland now has 27 goals this season for club and country — a staggering statistic given that it is only early November.

Pep Guardiola could not help but marvel at his striker’s consistency. “Every time I come to a press conference, you tell me he’s broken another record,” he said with a laugh. “But that’s Erling. He lives for goals. Still, tonight was Phil’s night.”

Dortmund, to their credit, did not fold easily. They carried a threat on the counterattack and found a consolation goal through Waldemar Anton, who side-footed home after some slack City defending. Substitute Rayan Cherki also came close with a dazzling solo run, his shot taking a deflection to wrong-foot Ederson but drifting narrowly wide. However, for most of the match, the German side were chasing shadows as City dictated the rhythm with ruthless precision.

Foden’s influence extended far beyond his two goals. Stationed as the No 10 in Guardiola’s 4-1-4-1 formation, he was the creative hub, dropping deep to link play, drifting wide to overload flanks, and constantly demanding the ball. He completed 71 touches — every one purposeful — as he dictated City’s attacking tempo. This was the confident, fearless Foden who two years ago swept individual honours and drew comparisons to Paul Gascoigne for his ability to play between the lines with flair and aggression.

“When Phil plays between the lines and turns with that speed, he is unplayable,” said Guardiola. “He’s happy, he’s smiling, and that’s when you get the best version of him.”

For a player who had endured a difficult previous season — hampered by injury, fatigue, and dips in form — this was more than a good performance. It was a declaration that Foden is once again ready to lead City’s creative charge. His maturity was evident, not only in his play but in the way he carried himself. He was vocal, expressive, and brimming with confidence, urging teammates forward and setting the tone in attack.

There has been much talk about whether Foden might return to the England squad soon, especially with Thomas Tuchel now at the helm. Guardiola, however, urged patience. “Thomas is very smart,” he said. “He knows Phil perfectly. All Phil wants is to keep improving. England have many good players — Phil just has to keep pushing himself and enjoying football.”

City’s fourth goal, a deflected strike from substitute Rayan Cherki, capped off a commanding display that left no doubt about their quality. Dortmund’s resistance faded, their defensive lines stretched thin, and City’s superiority became overwhelming.

By the final whistle, the Etihad crowd rose to applaud a team that had rediscovered its rhythm — and a player who had rediscovered himself. For Foden, it was more than just two goals; it was proof that he remains the creative heartbeat of Manchester City’s evolving side.

As the players left the pitch, the sense of optimism was tangible. The swagger was back — not just in Foden’s game, but in the team’s collective confidence. For Guardiola, it was a satisfying sight. For the fans, it was reassurance that the club’s next generation of brilliance is in safe hands.

Manchester City may still face challenges ahead in Europe and domestically, but with Foden dancing through defences again and Haaland breaking records by the week, they have every reason to believe this season could yet become something special.