da imperador bet： The English midfielder scored one and was instrumental in another as his team completed club football
da brdice： Manchester City just had one more trophy to win. In Pep Guardiola's tenure, the Cityzens have bagged every single medal — except one. And on Friday evening, they finally completed the set. Phil Foden's goal, and key involvement in a second, carried Manchester City past Fluminense in the Club World Cup final with an admittedly comfortable 4-0 victory.
Guardiola's side took the lead in the first minute. Nathan Ake's fine strike cannoned off the post and into Julian Alvarez's path, who cleverly chested the ball into an open goal. They added a second — much against the run of play — when Phil Foden's cross deflected in off Nino.
The Cityzens created further chances throughout, with Foden at the centre of it all. Deployed in an attacking midfield role, he found the neat spaces and tidy pockets. And he was eventually rewarded, getting his deserved goal to make it 3-0 — a simple tap-in after a smooth piece of setup play from Alvarez. The Argentine grabbed the City fourth late on, a quick shift and snipe inside the box.
This was otherwise a routine win, Fluminense not offering much other than the occasional dash down the wing, or saunter into the box. Guardiola will be concerned, though, by the state of Rodri's fitness, after the star defensive midfielder limped off with an apparent injury.
Still, City can go home happy, having finally completed club football, winning every possible trophy in a remarkable — if tainted — eight-year run.
GOAL rates Man City's players from King Abdullah Sports City…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (7/10):
Made one excellent save to keep the Brazilian side out at 1-0. Distributed effectively — with one shaky moment thrown in for good measure.
Kyle Walker (7/10):
Swept at the back effectively, and marauded forward on a few occasions. Got into a bit of a scrap at full time.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Not at his best, at the moment. A bit loose on the ball, and was given a few issues by the pace of Fluminense's front line.
John Stones (6/10):
Stepped into midfield effectively, and kept the ball moving. He's still short of full fitness, but looks like he's getting there.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Given a really difficult time by Fluminense's tricky right-winger in the first half. His shot set up the opening goal.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Rodri (5/10):
Struggled a bit in the first half as Fluminense pinged the ball around. Not much better in the second, and limped off with an injury. His absence could be devastating.
Rico Lewis (6/10):
A relatively quiet evening in central midfield from a young player still learning.
Phil Foden (8/10):
Much more effective as an attacking midfielder than false nine. Scored one, had his shot deflected in for another, and was a nuisance throughout.
Getty ImagesAttack
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Engaged in an enthralling matchup with the legendary Marcelo. Was crafty without being devastating.
Julian Alvarez (8/10):
Opened the scoring with a clever finish. Set up Foden's goal with a wonderful dart and cross. Bagged the fourth. Who needs Erling Haaland, eh?
Jack Grealish (5/10):
Drew defenders, found gaps in defence, but was lacking at the key moment on a number of occasions. Jeremy Doku, at full fitness, is surely first choice here.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Came on to settle things after the break, and was immensely effective.
Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
A mixed shift at full-back after coming on. He's being used out of position.
Manuel Akanji (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Matheus Nunes (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Pep Guardiola (9/10):
Went for a more orthodox formation, with Alvarez leading the line in a 4-3-3. City took the lead early, scored a timely second, and ultimately made it look comfortable. Has now won 14 major trophies as Man City boss. The best ever?