"His fall-off needs to be studied" - Fans slam Manchester City star for his performance in loss to Tottenham in EFL Cup

Manchester City fans have slammed Phil Foden on social media after his underwhelming display in their EFL Cup Round of 16 clash against Tottenham Hotspur on October 30. The home team won 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and proceeded to the next round.

Timo Werner got on the scoresheet early (5') for the home side followed by Pape Matar Sarr (25'). Although Manchester City got one back through Matheus Nunes near the end of the first half (45'+4'), it wasn't enough in the end.

Phil Foden started the game as a false nine but lacked creativity up front. The Englishman had no shots on target throughout the game and managed a measly passing accuracy of 75% (12/16). Furthermore, he lost possession eight times and was substituted in the 58th minute by Bernardo Silva.

Several Manchester City fans lambasted the English superstar on X. While some showed concern for his sudden plummet in form, others were harsher.

"His fall-off needs to be studied," wrote a fan.

"Foden stinker again hahah," commented another.

"False footballer you mean," wrote a fan.

"He was getting greenwood shouts lmfao," one user chimed in.

Many fans compared Foden with Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka, opining that the latter was better than the Manchester City man.

"Saka could never," commented a fan.

"Another fraud they compared to Saka," opined another.

"Crumbled to the pressure of being compared to the starboy fairs," opined one user.

Phil Foden has been underwhelming throughout the season for Pep Guardiola's men. In 11 matches across competitions, the 24-year-old has managed just a couple of goals and assists each.

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Manchester City star Phil Foden opens up about slow start to 2024-25 season

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Fourth Round - Source: Getty

Manchester City star Phil Foden recently opened up about his sluggish start to the 2024-25 season. The Englishman was impressive last season for both club and country.

For the Cityzens, he racked up 27 goals and 12 assists in 53 games across competitions. He was regularly deployed as a false nine and was an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola's setup.

Foden was impressive for his national side too, orchestrating the English midfield and taking them to the finals of UEFA Euro 2024. He also won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award last season.

In an interview (via GOAL), Foden explained the slow start to his season, saying:

"Last year there were so many games. I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued, which is normal. Rodri came back like that as well, a few players. It's normal how many games we play - you have to burnout at some point. I'm making steps in the right direction and trying to get back to my best."

He added:

"I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness. A few niggles as well. A few things added together. But if you speak to any player they've all been through it, the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road if you like, I'm delighted I'm back and enjoying my football."

Phil Foden and Manchester City will next be seen in action in a Premier League away clash against Bournemouth on November 2.