Phil Foden produced two assists in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, yet his missed chances and inconsistent display sparked fierce criticism from some supporters.
Man City fans turn on Phil Foden despite two assists in Crystal Palace rout
Phil Foden has found himself at the centre of a surprising fan backlash despite recording two assists in Manchester City’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
City maintained their perfect start under Enzo Maresca with another convincing Premier League win, but Foden’s individual performance divided opinion among supporters.
While the England international played a role in two goals, several missed opportunities and moments of frustration led some fans to call for him to be dropped from the starting XI.
Foden records two assists in 4-1 win
On paper, Foden’s contribution looked impressive.
The midfielder was credited with two assists as City eventually pulled away from Crystal Palace in the second half.
He helped create one of Rayan Cherki’s goals before later setting up Erling Haaland as the Norwegian completed his own brace.
Two assists in a 4-1 away victory would normally be enough to earn widespread praise.
Instead, Foden became one of the most discussed City players after the final whistle.
Missed chances frustrate supporters
The biggest source of criticism came from Foden’s finishing.
He was presented with several dangerous opportunities during the first half but failed to take advantage.
One particularly clear chance saw Foden fire over the crossbar when he appeared to have an excellent opportunity to score.
He later failed to convert another promising opening with a poorly directed header.
Those misses left supporters frustrated because City could have taken control of the match much earlier.
Fans call performance “unacceptable”
Foden’s performance quickly became a major discussion point on social media.
Some Manchester City supporters criticised his finishing, decision-making and tendency to lose possession in dangerous areas.
One recurring concern was that Foden did not look sharp enough compared with some of City’s other attacking options.
Some fans went as far as describing parts of his performance as “unacceptable” despite his two assists.
Calls grow for Maresca to drop Foden
The strongest reaction involved Foden’s place in the starting line-up.
Several supporters argued that Enzo Maresca should consider removing him from the XI if his performances do not improve.
The frustration is partly driven by the amount of attacking competition available to City.
With players such as Cherki producing decisive moments, fans are increasingly questioning whether Foden should remain an automatic starter.
The debate is now less about Foden’s talent and more about whether his current form justifies a guaranteed place.
Some supporters even discuss selling Foden
A smaller but more dramatic section of the fanbase has begun questioning Foden’s long-term future.
One social media reaction suggested that selling the academy graduate, once considered almost unthinkable, is no longer completely impossible to imagine.
Others argued that repeated inconsistent performances could eventually force City to reconsider his role.
However, these are fan reactions rather than indications of Manchester City’s actual transfer plans.
There is no sign City want to sell him
Manchester City themselves have given no indication that Foden is available for transfer.
In fact, the club recently reinforced their commitment to him by handing him a new long-term contract.
Foden is now tied to City until 2030 and remains one of the most important homegrown players in the squad.
The current controversy is therefore about supporter frustration, not an official plan to move the midfielder on.
Cherki performance increases pressure
Foden’s display also looked less impressive because of the player performing alongside him.
Rayan Cherki scored twice and delivered one of the standout attacking performances of the match.
The Frenchman repeatedly created danger and produced the kind of decisive moments City supporters want from their attacking midfielders.
His impact naturally intensified comparisons with Foden, who struggled to finish his own opportunities.
Haaland and Cherki steal the show
City ultimately won comfortably thanks to braces from Cherki and Haaland.
The result ensured Maresca’s side continued their excellent start to the season.
That made the reaction toward Foden even more unusual.
City had won by three goals, Foden had contributed two assists and yet many supporters were still dissatisfied with what they saw.
Statistics do not tell the full story
The debate around Foden highlights the difference between raw numbers and overall performance.
Two assists represent a strong statistical return.
But supporters watching the full match also saw missed chances, lost possession and moments where Foden could have been more decisive.
That contrast explains why opinions on his performance became so divided after the final whistle.
Pressure growing in City attack
Maresca has multiple elite attacking options available this season.
That depth means even established stars may struggle to keep their positions if their form drops.
Foden’s history at the club and long-term contract provide him with significant security, but competition for minutes remains intense.
If Cherki and others continue performing at a high level, Maresca will face increasingly difficult selection decisions.
Foden now under spotlight
There is no suggestion that Foden’s Manchester City career is suddenly in serious danger.
But the reaction after Crystal Palace shows that supporter patience is being tested.
His two assists prove he can still influence matches even when he is not at his best.
At the same time, the missed chances and criticism show that expectations surrounding him remain extremely high.
For now, the key story is clear. Phil Foden helped Manchester City win 4-1 with two assists, yet still ended the night facing calls from some supporters to be dropped, and even questions over his long-term future at the club.
