Manchester City coasted to a 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad in their opening Club World Cup encounter on Wednesday evening.
Pep Guardiola failed to win a trophy this season with Manchester City for the first time since his debut season in 2016, so the Club World Cup presents a real opportunity to change that narrative.
With Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also vying for the title, it is sure to be important that the Cityzens can get some momentum in the early fixtures that see them face off against lesser opponents.
Guardiola’s side came into this afternoon as heavy favourites, with their opponent, Wydad, finishing 16 points adrift in the Moroccan Botola Pro league.
Manchester City kicked off their Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan side Wydad
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One player who needs to bounce back in particular is Phil Foden.
After his PFA Player of the Season campaign in 2023/24, Foden has struggled for consistent performances this campaign as City’s goals output has drastically dropped.
The Cityzens named two debutants in the game, with former Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki and £45million-man Tijjani Reijnders starting in the middle of the park.
But, it was Foden who fired City ahead, slamming home the opener in just the second minute.
The 25-year-old becomes the first English player ever to score in multiple editions of the Club World Cup, after scoring in the 2023 final against Fluminense.
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Phil Foden opened his account for the tournament in the second minute
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Just before half-time, Foden delivered a curling corner into Jeremy Doku, who volleyed the ball into the net from close range.
Despite the introductions of Erling Haaland and Rodri in the second half, the game mostly petered out, with City comfortable with their two-goal advantage.
However, with just two minutes of normal time to play, Rico Lewis received his second red card for the club after a tough challenge with Wydad’s Samuel Obeng.
Despite winning the ball first, Lewis’ studs connected with Obeng’s face, leaving the Ghanian sprawled on the floor.
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While the intent may not have been there, the contact was, and, despite heavy protests from Lewis and his teammates, VAR upheld the referee's original decision.
The red card means Lewis will miss City’s next game against Al Ain of the UAE on Monday.
Speaking to Dazn after the game, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel felt the decision was correct: “I think it was the right card, for sure. You can see the follow through with his leg. He left it high.”
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Rico Lewis was left bewildered after the decision to send him off
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Guardiola, however, was keen to protest the 20-year-old’s innocence: "He touches the ball. He never had any intention to do it. It is what it is."
Following his ‘Superior Player of the Match’ performance due to his part in both goals, Foden said the heat was “difficult” but praised the opposition, Wydad.
"It was difficult at times with the heat, but fair play to them, they were a top team on the counter-attacks. A lot of chances that we had to deal with.”
After enduring a difficult campaign, Foden is keen to make a statement: “A new season, fresh me. Looking forward to the season now.
“[The tournament is] very important, not just for me, but all the players. It is important to get your sharpness now in this big competition.”
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