KISS OF DEATH

Top gun Phil Foden proves he has ammunition in his armoury to fire City to title

MAN CITY....3
MAN UNITED...1

DAVID MCDONNELL AT THE ETIHAD

PHIL FODEN was branded "the sniper" after gunning down Manchester United in the derby.

Foden's second-half double kept Manchester City within a point of Premier League leaders Liverpool to set up an epic title showdown at Anfield on Sunday.

Ahead of this one, Foden played down Pep Guardiola's claim he is a world-class player.

But after he single-handedly inspired Manchester City's stunning comeback to keep their title bid well on track, there can be no denying Foden's elite status.

While Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a majestic 25-yard strike then disappeared, Foden set about hauling City back into it, his goals underpinned by relentless work ethic.

With a minute of normal time left and City leading 2-1, Foden sprinted back 50 yards to dispossess United sub Antony, his hunger and desire earning deserved acclaim from Guardiola and City's fans.

Etihad defender Kyle Walker revealed the squad's nickname for Foden, after his England team-mate took his goal tally for the season to 18.

Walker said: "We call Phil the sniper because he likes to shoot.