‘We’re not stupid,’ fumes Phil Foden as Man City ace admits Premier League defence is ‘DONE’ after Brentford collapse
PHIL FODEN admits Manchester City’s dream of a fifth straight Premier League crown is “done” after their Brentford collapse.
The England ace’s double looked set to move Pep Guardiola’s champions ten points off leaders Liverpool.
Yet Christian Norgaard’s last-gasp goal saw the Bees fight from 2-0 down to draw.
Foden fumed: “The title? It’s done for sure. We know that, we’re not stupid. We’re out of it. There’s no chance.
“Performances have not been good enough. We must aim for the top four and make things right.”
City led 2-0 with eight minutes left on Tuesday — and Foden admits teams no longer fear them.
He added: “Everyone wants to beat us. We’ve been the best in the last few seasons and our opponents are up for it.
“We have to match that, if not better it and we’re coming up a bit short.
“Possibly, it is the accumulation of games and injuries. We’ve not got the biggest squad — but we can’t make excuses.”
Foden has had a tough time since the summer Euros and did not score his first Prem goal of the season until December 21.
But the 24-year-old has netted three times in the last two league matches.
Asked if he “needed” the goals, Foden said: “Yes. It gives you confidence for the next game. But I’d have preferred to get the three points.
“I’ve learned the most of any time in my career this season. I’ve not lost this many games before.
“I still believe we can do good things. It’s not as if the season has gone.”
City are set to splash out in the transfer window, with Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, joining for £33.5million and 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis arriving from Palmeiras.
Reis is due in England today to seal his £29m switch.
City are also in talks to sign forward Omar Marmoush, 25, from Eintracht Frankfurt.
And Foden believes the splurge is vital, saying: “Definitely, we’ve not got the biggest squad and a lot of lads have struggled with niggles this season.”