Story could have been different if Foden didn’t score, says manager
Pep Guardiola has played down any suggestion that Manchester City’s late win over Leeds United showed his side had a winning mentality.
City edged past Leeds 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium at the weekend, with a stoppage-time strike from Phil Foden rescuing three points after the visitors had come back from 2-0 down and looked like they would earn a point.
The win followed successive defeats away to Newcastle United in the league and at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Guardiola said he would be mistaken to take the late goal as a sign of a strong mentality from his team.
“It all depends if Phil puts the ball in the net,” said Guardiola. “I don’t know if you can define mentality off one win. I don’t believe in these kinds of things.”
City remain second in the Premier League table after the Leeds result, five points from leaders Arsenal, who drew at Chelsea. City face Fulham next and Guardiola is braced for another demanding encounter at Craven Cottage.
“Always have been really tough games [with Fulham], difficult,” Guardiola said. “Their organisation is exceptional. Every year, I have a feeling that with the ball they are better and even better.
“I saw their games these days – against Chelsea, against Arsenal, last games against Sunderland. It’s always so difficult for the opponent to break up.”
