Phil Foden joins Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi by reaching special milestone under Pep Guardiola with double in Man City win against Brighton

Phil Foden joined Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi in achieving a special milestone following his brace for Manchester City against Brighton.

♦ Man City thrash Brighton 4-0

♦ Foden grabs brace in victory

♦ Brings up special milestone

WHAT HAPPENED?

City kept up their Premier League title charge after thrashing Brighton at the Amex on Thursday night. Kevin De Bruyne’s header, a Foden double, and a Julian Alvarez strike secured all three points on a memorable day for the club and the England international in particular. That’s because he scored his 50th Premier League goal and became only the third player to score 50 top-flight goals under Pep Guardiola while aged 23 or younger. A certain Messi and Haaland are also in that exclusive club. He then added a 51st to his record with his second goal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City’s win brought them to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal and Guardiola’s side also have a game in hand in Mikel Arteta’s men. After being knocked out of the Champions League last week, City have bounced back with a bang.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to Opta, City are only the fourth side to score more than four goals in four consecutive Premier League games after Manchester United in April 2000, themselves in May 2022 and Arsenal in March 2024.

WHAT NEXT?

Defending Premier League champions City will look to continue their winning run, which includes four straight victories, away to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.