The signs are trending upwards for one Manchester City player but one moment may spark the fuse

As Manchester City beat FC Porto 2-0 on Tuesday night to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign on the right foot a host of players played well at the Estádio do Dragão. One of those was Phil Foden . Foden played a crucial role in City's opening goal and he put in a lively display before he was taken off in the 75th minute. The England international's form is trending upwards, however you do sense that once he scores a goal the proverbial shackles may be released.

Phil Foden was a handful for Manchester City against FC Porto.

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Phil Foden put in his best performance of the season against FC Porto on Tuesday night. Foden did play well against Crystal Palace in City's 4-1 win at Selhurst Park where he registered two assists. However, in terms of overall impact, Foden's display at the Estádio do Dragão was probably the more impactful performance.

Phil Foden should have registered an assist in the first half against FC Porto when he set up a great chance for Erling Haaland with a quality cross from the left. However, Diogo Costa kept out Haaland's header. He also saw a shot saved from the right by Diogo Costa that perhaps Foden could have hit better. Foden's pass to set up Manchester City's opening goal against Francesco Farioli's side was absolutely sublime. It was a snapshot of Foden's tremendous quality as a player.

Overall, Foden played an important role for Manchester City in their 2-0 win over FC Porto. He looks to have his spark back. Having said that, there is one aspect of Foden's play that, if it arrives, may release the shackles so to speak.

Foden does look like he needs to score a goal to release the shackles.

Phil Foden has not scored for Manchester City in 34 matches. His last goal came in City's 3-2 win over Leeds United where he bagged a brace in City's win on December 14, 2025. Given Foden's quality as a player and a finisher, that is an absurd statistic. Foden is finishing like a player who desperately needs a goal. That has stood out this season.

Foden missed two great chances in City's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. He also squandered a great chance last weekend against Coventry City. Phil Foden looks like he needs a goal and you do sense that when he finally hits the back of the net, he may kick on to build on his recent good performances.

Phil Foden has shown enough evidence that he is playing well so far this season. He was very good in Manchester City's win over FC Porto earlier this week. However, it does seem like Phil Foden needs a goal to release the shackles and spur him on. If it can come this Sunday against Manchester United , it could be the moment that ignites Foden's season so to speak.