Phil Foden reveals goal target after Man City hat-trick v Brentford

Phil Foden has revealed he has not set himself a specific goal target this season, but is aiming to beat the 15 he netted in 2022/23.

The Manchester City star helped chase that tally down on Monday as he scored all three in the 3-1 win at Brentford, and grabbed a second hat-trick of his career. Foden’s control and shot on the stroke of half-time brought City back on level terms at the Gtech Community Stadium, before an excellent glancing header put the champions in front at the start of the second period.

The England international made it three in the 70th minute when he latched onto Erling Haaland’s pass and confidently finished past Mark Flekken. That leaves Foden on 11 goals for the season, just four shy of his tally from the treble campaign, and five off his career best in a single season.

“All I set myself is I just to try and better last year’s stats,” Foden told Sky Sports after the game, when asked whether he sets personal goal targets. “I think that’s what I try and do, I try and improve every year, try get better stats: more goals and assists. 

“As a Man City player I think that’s your goal, to create and score. I think I’m doing that well this season but I need to keep going and show this level of performance more often.”

Foden’s virtuoso display was in keeping with his recent form for City and he’s been the club’s standout performer for several months. His growing importance in Pep Guardiola’s side is undeniable, with the no.47 playing in every league match this season and has started on the bench just twice, against Sheffield United and Bournemouth.

“I’m really delighted with my performances at the moment and I’m playing a lot of minutes, more inside where I want to be,” Foden opined. “I’m delighted with the way I’m playing. I think it’s probably the best form I’ve had in a City shirt for a long time. Long may that continue."

Asked about playing centrally, Foden added: “It’ll help if I played one position and learnt that position every game. But I am a person who adapts and plays a lot of positions when needed, so I know in this Man City side I’m going to play lots of positions, so I have to be ready.

"I’m just enjoying playing anywhere in the middle and that’s where I see myself playing the best football. Hopefully I can keep getting more game time in the middle.”