Phil Foden was Manchester City’s FA Cup hero on a difficult night in Newport.
But it won’t be the two goals, or the midfield excellence, that the 18-year-old Stockport lad takes from the experience.
He was more bothered by the fact he felt his defensive game was not good enough – and that he made the mistake which almost led to Newport taking a shock first half lead.
Foden’s super solo goal gave the Blues a two-goal cushion, and he struck again to kill the game shortly after the home side had scored to give themselves hope.
City ran out 4-1 winners after Riyad Mahrez added a final flourish, and it was Foden who claimed most of the limelight.
But while pleased with his two goals, he was more annoyed with himself for losing Tyreeq Bakinson, when the Newport player’s header brought a fine save from Ederson.
Asked if he felt he had made any mistakes, Foden replied: “There were a few! I let my man go in the first half and he nearly scored at the back post. That was a massive one.
“I’ll definitely dwell on that. That’s the thing I need to learn, the defensive side of the game. I’m going to work on that.”
That is a clue to why he has not been used as much by Pep Guardiola – as well as the fact he has a host of world-class midfielders ahead of him at City.
Foden hinted at the fact he has occasionally not stuck to Guardiola’s carefully-devised and ruthlessly-executed game plans at time.
“I’m playing with great players. I’m learning in every game. I’ve just got to keep going,” he said.
“I need to keep going. It’s important to play my game every time I get a chance. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’ve been around the first team for a year now. I’ve learned everything I need to know regarding the basics with Pep.
“He’s quite strict with his game plans. I know all that now. It’s about stepping forward and trying to impress him. I’m ready to go and I’m trying to make my point.”
Foden could easily have had a hat-trick, but did not apply the finishing touch to Leroy Sane’s opener, as he thought he might be offside – which he was not.
But the teenager now feels City can win all four trophies after advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
They face the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie with Schalke on Wednesday and can claim the first part of that Quadruple when they take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next Sunday.
Asked if he feels City can win the lot, Foden did not hold back: “Definitely, why not? I think we really can. We’ve got all the competitions to play for and hopefully we can win them all.”
