Fans think it’s ‘time for a conversation’ about one Man City player after his performance against Liverpool

Manchester City fans have been left frustrated and concerned following their team’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, with many calling for a critical reassessment of one particular player. The loss dealt a severe blow to City’s hopes of securing a fifth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola, while Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points with a crucial victory.

Liverpool’s dominance was underlined by goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, as Arne Slot’s side outclassed the reigning champions. Despite City’s relentless attacking efforts, they struggled to find a breakthrough, leaving fans deeply frustrated with certain players’ performances. Among them, Phil Foden has come under the most scrutiny, with many questioning his recent form and level of contribution to the team’s title defense.

Foden, who was widely regarded as the best player in the league last season and won the PFA Player of the Year award, has not been able to replicate the same influence this campaign. Against Liverpool, he completed the full 90 minutes but was largely ineffective, failing to register a single key pass while also losing possession 15 times. Such statistics have only intensified calls for more accountability regarding his performances.

Following the defeat, social media platforms were flooded with City fans expressing their concerns over Foden’s struggles. While some acknowledged his past brilliance, they argued that he has not faced the same level of criticism as other underperforming players. The sentiment among supporters suggests that the English international has been shielded from backlash, despite his dip in form.

One fan posted: “Foden has been way off his best for months now, but no one seems to talk about it. If this was De Bruyne, people would be writing him off already.” Another commented: “Foden isn’t playing at the level we expect from him, yet he gets a free pass while other players are criticized. That’s not fair.”

Others pointed out that Foden’s attacking output this season pales in comparison to last year’s remarkable campaign. So far, he has managed only seven goals and two assists in the league, a stark contrast to his 19-goal, eight-assist tally from the previous season. His decline in productivity has raised concerns about his long-term role within Guardiola’s setup, particularly as City navigate a challenging period in their season.

Guardiola has consistently backed Foden, highlighting his potential and importance to the team’s tactical structure. However, as City find themselves trailing in the title race, questions are being raised about whether the manager should make bold changes to the squad’s attacking lineup. Some fans believe that the 24-year-old needs to be benched in order to regain his hunger and form.

Despite his current struggles, there is still belief within the City camp that Foden can rediscover his best version. The coming weeks will be crucial as the business end of the season approaches, with City needing their key players to step up in high-pressure matches. If Foden fails to respond to the criticism, Guardiola may be forced to rethink his trust in the England international.

City’s upcoming fixtures will serve as a defining period for Foden’s season, as he looks to silence the doubters and reaffirm his status as one of the league’s most talented midfielders. However, with the growing frustration among the fanbase, he will have to deliver consistent performances to justify his continued presence in the starting lineup.

With Liverpool gaining momentum and City struggling for consistency, the pressure on Guardiola’s squad is greater than ever. The next few games will determine whether Foden can rise to the occasion or if City will need to look elsewhere for inspiration in their pursuit of another Premier League title.

For now, the conversation surrounding Foden is only growing louder, and he must find a way to respond before City’s title hopes slip even further out of reach.