Manchester City aren't waving the white flag just yet in the Premier League title race, and neither is Phil Foden in his late push for a World Cup spot with England.

Pep Guardiola rolled the dice with his team selection against Crystal Palace, and for a moment—especially given Palace's energetic start—it looked like the gamble might backfire. But then Foden took over, reminding everyone of the world-class talent that's been simmering beneath the surface this season.

The 25-year-old was simply imperious. His no-look back-heel assist for the opening goal was pure artistry—the kind of moment that leaves fans and pundits alike shaking their heads in disbelief. It wasn't a fluke either; he followed it up with another assist as City cruised to a 3-0 victory, keeping their slim title hopes alive.

This has been a challenging campaign for Foden. After a bright start in the autumn, form dipped and frustrations mounted. But recent cameos off the bench against Everton and Brentford hinted at a resurgence, and this full-throttle performance against Palace suggests he's peaking at just the right time.

With the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley just days away, followed by a trip to Bournemouth and a season-ending clash with Aston Villa, Guardiola clearly needed to manage his squad. His bold rotation paid off, and City now have momentum heading into the business end of the campaign.

Whether Foden's form is enough to convince Thomas Tuchel to bring him to the US for the World Cup remains an open question. But for now, the midfielder is focused on adding more silverware to the Carabao Cup already in the cabinet—and hoping Arsenal stumble before the final whistle blows on the season.