Foden is central to success without Erl

KEY ISSUES FROM CITY'S CRUCIAL COMEBACK WIN AT LUTON

- JOE BRAY

FODEN UNLOCKED BEST POSITION WITHOUT HAALAND 

After years of City fans calling for Phil Foden to be given a run in the side in a central position, 2023/24 has seen him slowly move into the middle either from the wide areas or next to someone like Bernardo Silva or Rico Lewis as a number eight.

He has looked good coming in from the right as a second number 10, although that influence has waned a little as injuries and suspensions have limited City's midfield protection behind him.

At Luton, Foden played as a definitive number 10, with a solid foundation of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic behind him.

Bernardo came inside at times with Julian Alvarez pushed into attack with Haaland out. The injury to the Norwegian will obviously weaken City but it could unlock the best out of Foden and Alvarez.

The latter looked like he enjoyed the number nine role better and Foden also thrived on the turn in the space between midfield and attack, as shown in his role for City's second.

He was City's best attacker and created the most chances for the Blues, often running beyond Alvarez into space.