Pep Guardiola hails Phil Foden as Premier League’s best after Manchester derby double

Pep Guardiola hailed Phil Foden as the best player in the Premier League after he scored twice to help Manchester City win Sunday’s derby at the Etihad Stadium.

Marcus Rashford gave Manchester United a shock half-time lead, but last season’s Treble winners came good after the break, with Erling Haaland scoring a third goal in stoppage time. City’s 3-1 win ensured they stay one point behind leaders Liverpool, while United remain sixth.

On Foden, Guardiola said: “He is the best player in the Premier League.

“It is the amount of games he is playing. He was always a talented player, but now he is more mature and understands more the game, especially defensively.

Phil Foden notched a brace as Manchester City came from behind to win the derby (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

“He’s unbelievable. Winning games is when you become a world-class player.

“When he scores two goals, that gives me more pleasure than the other stuff [defensive work]. But the guy who doesn’t do that is not allowed to stay in this team.”

On City’s title challenge, Guardiola said: “It is about us. We can’t control what Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa or the other contenders do. This team is legendary. Still we are here, making our people happy all around the world.”

Meanwhile, United manager Erik ten Hag insists his team can still qualify for the Champions League.

“We go to another ‘final’ [at home to Everton next Saturday] and try to get closer. We have to go for it,” he said.

“Fifth position can also be a position for Champions League, so we have to fight for it. This year, we are really progressing.”

City had a 72.9 per cent share of possession on Sunday, registering 27 shots to United’s three.

Asked whether there remains a gulf between the two sides, Ten Hag replied: “No, I don’t think so, absolutely not.”