Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Phil Foden following Manchester City victory over Bristol City | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for midfielder Phil Foden, after the Englishman scored twice to help the Blues progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

City, who are bidding to win the Emirates FA Cup for the first time since 2019, reached the quarter-final stages of the competition for a fifth successive season with a win over Bristol City on Tuesday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side inflicted a first defeat since December on the Robins, as two goals from Phil Foden and long-range strike from Kevin De Bruyne helped City to a comfortable 3-0 victory against a spirited Bristol City team.

Foden opened the scoring in the 7th minute before making sure of the win in the 74th, as his strike was deflected into the Bristol City net.

De Bruyne added the third goal in the 81st minute with a rocketing effort from long-range.

Foden has now scored three goals in his last two matches and has shown signs of a return to form, after a difficult start to the year due to injury and illness.

The 22 year-old was also on the scoresheet on Saturday, as City thrashed Bournemouth 4-1 at the Vitality Stadium.

Following Tuesday’s win at Ashton Gate, Pep Guardiola praised the work ethic of the England forward, saying: “He scored one last game, now two, his dynamic and rhythm and work ethic, footballers have ups and downs.

“Phil [Foden] has been up and up and up, but with the World Cup and his ankle, he has had a bit of a down.

“Phil has always had a high level. His impact since he arrived with us has been amazing. When you work like he works, football always pays off for you.”

Foden was an unused substitute in the UEFA Champions League last Wednesday and prior to last weekend had scored just four goals since his hat-trick against Manchester United in October.