When Manchester City announced their lineup for the crucial match against Crystal Palace, Arsenal fans might have felt a wave of optimism. Pep Guardiola had made six changes from the side that convincingly beat Brentford 3-0 just days earlier, choosing to rest key players ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea. But as City fans know all too well, this squad's depth is anything but ordinary.

Several players came in with something to prove, but none more so than Phil Foden. The Stockport-born academy graduate had faced criticism this season after a dip in form and increased competition for minutes, often finding himself on the bench. His last goal came back in December at Selhurst Park, making this start a golden opportunity to remind everyone of his brilliance.

And remind them he did. This was the Foden who won acclaim after the 2023-24 season—the mercurial talent, the creative genius who makes the impossible look effortless. From the first whistle, he was determined to prove a point, demanding the ball and showing that his skill and vision haven't gone anywhere.

His two assists were a masterclass in creativity. The first—an instant contender for assist of the season—was a no-look backheel that set up Antoine Semenyo to score. He constantly urged his teammates to feed him the ball, playing with energy, sharpness, and a focus that had been missing in recent weeks.

His last two substitute appearances had shown promise, but this was the Foden that made the football world take notice. The local lad who has already won everything at his boyhood club is now reminding Pep Guardiola of the quality he possesses. More importantly, with the World Cup on the horizon, his display sends a clear message to England boss Thomas Tuchel: Phil Foden is ready, and he's more than worthy of a place on that plane.

They say timing is everything in football. Let's hope Tuchel was watching.