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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Pep Guardiola hails significance of Phil Foden's second goal as Man City avoid nervy ending against Newport

Foden scored twice as City booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. (Picture: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola hailed Phil Foden’s ‘incredible’ third goal that saved Manchester City from a nervy ending against Newport County in the FA Cup.

It took the Premier League champions until the 51st minute to break down League Two opposition on Saturday with Leroy Sane breaking the deadlock.

Foden added a second after 75 minutes but Padraig Amond’s clever finish two minutes from the full-time whistle briefly offered hope of a late fightback at Rodney Parade.

A minute later however the City academy product marched down the other end, beating his marker inside the box before lashing home an emphatic third.

Riyad Mahrez added a fourth in injury time but Guardiola was quick to underline the significance of Foden’s second goal.

Guardiola told BT Sport: "We were lucky that Phil scored an incredible third goal and after they help us not suffer in the last five, six minutes and in extra time.

"So big congratulations to the team they show us and everyone how incredible they are in all competitions and in every single game.

"They try to do their best and big compliments for all the guys today.

"The first 15, 20 minutes were difficult, they had the throw-ins which created chances. But the last 15, 20 minutes we took the game in our hands and in the second half we had a little bit of movement and of course the goals help us to win the game."

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