Elliot Anderson reveals what Phil Foden did in the dressing room after red card against Man Utd
PHIL FODEN wildly celebrated Manchester City’s derby day win in the away dressing room at Old Trafford, despite his derby red card. Foden was shown a straight r...
PHIL FODEN wildly celebrated Manchester City’s derby day win in the away dressing room at Old Trafford, despite his derby red card.
Foden was shown a straight red in the 23rd minute for kicking out in retaliation at Bruno Fernandes after the captain booted Foden whilst he was on the ground.
Phil Foden saw red for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes Credit: Getty
Foden was crestfallen after being given his marching orders Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Despite playing more than 70 minutes with ten men, secured their first Old Trafford triumph in nearly three years thanks to Erling Haaland’s controversial strike.
Man of the match Elliot Anderson revealed that Foden was “bouncing” when reunited with his teammates.
“Obviously, he was gutted to not play in the full game, but he was bouncing up and down the changing room,” Anderson said. “As we all were.
“Obviously [the red card] made the game a lot harder and we’ve all come together and it shows real fighting leadership from the lads.
“It wasn’t ideal, obviously, Phil, going off, but we all fought for it. It changed the way of playing, but we’re done really well at it.
“I just gave everything for the team – duels and playing through the lines. I thought I did quite well and just stayed calm in possession with the team and helped everyone.”
Anderson was excellent at home and away against United last season for Nottingham Forest and was their ideal midfield target.
The 23-year-old preferred to join City in a £116million move and dubbed his new club the “kings of Manchester” at his unveiling in July.
Man Utd ratings: Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu prove costly at the back as Kobbie Mainoo impressive in the middle
DIOGO DALOT and Patrick Dorgu exposed Man Utd's defensive frailties as bitter rivals Man City stole all three points in the Manchester derby
Erling Haaland scored a hugely controversial winner after VAR overturned an offside call.
Replays showed Patrick Dorgu played Haaland onside, while City’s new £125million man Enzo Fernandez was incredibly deemed to have not been interfering with play.
Kobbie Mainoo was really put to the test against a rock solid City midfielder, but grabbed the game by the lapels in the second half and was hugely unlucky not to score.
Here’s how .
Anderson sniggered when reminded of that quote and was asked whether he expected more stick from United supporters.
“I was just trying to let my football do the talking,” he added “I think we came here and we played really well.
“There’s no doubt we have all the quality, but we’re showing real mentality in the first four games, especially in this one.
“Not giving up, fighting for every tackle, every duel, and waiting for our chance, and obviously Erling scores.
Anderson was the man of the match Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Enzo Fernandez consoles Foden Credit: Getty
“I’ve been used to playing that way (without the ball) quite a lot. I find either way quite comfortable for me and I’ll just try to give my very best to help the lads around me.
“It hasn’t been easy. I’ve been obviously challenged in all the games, and yeah, I thought I’ve just done pretty well.
“I’ve trained hard to put myself in the best place for the games and yeah, it started ever so well.”
Anderson has quickly formed a formidable partnership with fellow summer signing Enzo Fernandez, who was instrumental in City’s 1-0 win.
Fernandez and Anderson were pitted against each other in the World Cup semi-finals and Anderson is glad to be on the same side at club level.
“I found that obviously before I was before I was playing with him,” Anderson said of facing Fernandez in the United States. “But no, he’s a brilliant guy. And he’s a real top player.
“He’s very good. He shows real quality on the ball and knowing you’ve got someone alongside you who’s got your back is a massive help. He’s top.”
Anderson was blasé about some of Fernandez’s theatrics that irritated United. The Argentina international milked a hand-off from Kobbie Mainoo with City attempting to see out the game.
Fernandez has had a big impact at City Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Fernandez joined for a joint-British record £125m Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
“It’s a derby, isn’t it?” Anderson shrugged. “There’s always going to be that type of stuff in the game.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel was in the Old Trafford directors’ box to watch Anderson and Mainoo battle against each other.
Anderson started in all seven of England’s World Cup matches as they reached the semi-final whereas Mainoo was the only outfield squad member who did not get a kick.
The pair are likely to be included in Tuchel’s squad for England’s quartet of Nations League ties in September and October, which will be announced on Friday.
“It was great,” Anderson said of facing Mainoo. “It was a good battle.
“He’s a top, top player and it’s always tough playing against Kobbie. He’s a real good player and a real nice guy.”